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Original late 19th-century mounted photograph by T. J. Rice of Oberlin, Ohio, depicting a wonderful group of 13 young women posed together indoors.
The women are dressed in an assortment of high-necked blouses, patterned bodices and long skirts characteristic of the 1890s, making this a particularly nice image for collectors of women’s history, fashion, education and early photography.
T. J. Rice is documented as a photographer associated with Oberlin College subjects during this period. An 1898 photograph of the Oberlin College graduating class held in the Wright State University archives is attributed to Rice, and other identified Rice photographs of Oberlin students survive. Because of that association, this group may represent Oberlin College students or another Oberlin-area women’s group, although the individuals and occasion are not identified.
The composition itself is unusually appealing, with the women standing tightly together in an informal, almost playful line rather than in a conventional rigid studio arrangement.
Photographer’s imprint on mount reads:
T. J. RICE, OBERLIN, O.
Original photograph, not a reproduction.
Condition: Antique condition with expected age toning, fading, light spotting/soiling and wear to the mount, including minor edge and corner wear. Image remains clear with very good period detail. Please review photographs for condition.
A great piece of 1890s women’s history and Oberlin, Ohio photographic history, with a particularly intriguing possible Oberlin College
