Anyone know what's housed at 436 Fifth Avenue, New York these days? Once upon a time the Alwan and Company photography studio was there. I'm not finding anything about it or any examples other than this one.
Sisters? Cousins? Friends? Who knows. No information is given. I'm imagining it was taken somewhere around 1908. Have no idea why I picked that year, but sticking with it.
Click on the image to see it larger.
It's interesting that they are not looking at the camera. No eye contact made. They are not staring across time.
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What a pretty picture of two pretty girls. Love everything about the picture. Yes, I am sure they would be sisters. I always wanted long curls like that. Carol
ReplyDeleteGoogle Map search shows a Payless shoe store, but I don't know how accurate it is. Next time I'm up there, I'll look.
ReplyDeleteI especially love the dress the taller girl has on. It looks like a fancy jumper.
ReplyDeletePayless shoes? Well isn't that just a little bit depressing?
ReplyDeleteI've noticed that several photos I've seen of that era have all the subjects looking off to one side. Perhaps it was considered artistic and in vogue then.
ReplyDeleteI love the sleeves on the older girl's dress. Also the enormous bows!
If you're old enough you'll probably have memories of your mother saying "Don't stare." That might have played into this. Little girls were not supposed to stare at people. Plus little girls might have felt self-conscious. You know I really think it took people having cameras of their own to really start feeling free of the constraints of portrait photography.
ReplyDeleteYes. Google Earth shows a Payless store but their pictures run about two years old.
ReplyDeleteIt's always so sad to me when I find a place that was once a private business that is now taken over by a cookie cutter franchise or chain. It somehow just gets the life sucked right out of it. The history is washed away.
ReplyDeleteLook at those ringlets!! I bet they are sisters. I am a bit befuddled at the design of the jumper on the older girl.. Those dips are strange, and they go straight up to the sleeve..I have never seen anything like it.. You are probably pretty close with the year:)
ReplyDeleteI really love her jumper. So fancy.
ReplyDelete