RENS ORIGINAL Antique 1800’s Seated Bearded Man Ohlwiler’s Gallery Erie PA CDV Photo

In-depth Description:

This photograph is a Carte de Visite (CDV) from the late 1800s, featuring a seated bearded man in formal attire. The photograph was produced at Ohlwiler’s Gallery in Erie, PA, as indicated by the photographer’s mark on the reverse side. CDVs were a popular medium of photography during the Civil War and remained in common use through the late 19th century. The subject’s dignified pose and well-groomed appearance, combined with the professional quality of the photo, reflect the period’s trend of capturing middle to upper-class individuals in posed settings. The clear details of his beard and formal clothing provide historical insights into men’s fashion during that era.

This particular CDV is a rare find given its location-specific origin and excellent condition for its age. Ohlwiler’s Gallery in Erie, Pennsylvania, was a notable photography studio, making this piece not just a portrait but a representation of historical photographic work from the region.

Rarity & Year:

This CDV likely dates from the 1860s to the 1880s, as indicated by the style of clothing and the Carte de Visite format. While CDVs were mass-produced, location-specific photographs from smaller towns or regional galleries like Ohlwiler’s can be rarer and of interest to collectors focused on Erie, PA history or 19th-century photography.