Melancholy, Tintype, Circa 1867
Whether both the teens in this image are in mourning or not is arguable--at least so far as the girl on the left, who may be indeed be wearing later-stage mourning clothing. The teen on the right is not wearing mourning. However, both girls show us conspicuously placed handkerchiefs. The open look of the girl on the right draws the viewer in; her finger, nearly pointing, takes us to a tiny portrait within the portrait--surely, the deceased. The girl on the left is woeful--the dead person may be her kin. The other teen seems to be cast in the role of supporter as well as explainer to posterity.
Melancholy, Tintype, Circa 1867
Whether both the teens in this image are in mourning or not is arguable--at least so far as the girl on the left, who may be indeed be wearing later-stage mourning clothing. The teen on the right is not wearing mourning. However, both girls show us conspicuously placed handkerchiefs. The open look of the girl on the right draws the viewer in; her finger, nearly pointing, takes us to a tiny portrait within the portrait--surely, the deceased. The girl on the left is woeful--the dead person may be her kin. The other teen seems to be cast in the role of supporter as well as explainer to posterity.