Cabinet Card Photograph of an Unidentified Blind or Visually Impaired Musical Troupe.
Liberty Center, Ohio: Chas. Hatcher, n.d., likely 1890s. Cabinet card photograph measuring approximately 4 ¼ x 6 ½ inches. Photographer’s imprint on mount: “Chas. Hatcher, Liberty Center, O.”. Light wear and toning; very good. Item #List3857
A cabinet card photograph of an unidentified blind or visually impaired musical troupe, photographed in Liberty Center, Ohio. The group is posed as a small performing ensemble, with string, guitar, and wind instruments. The formal arrangement suggests a blind musical act rather than an ordinary family portrait, and the cabinet card format is consistent with late nineteenth-century performer portraiture. Images of musicians, lecturers, disabled performers, and traveling entertainers were often sold or distributed as souvenirs at appearances, helping performers advertise themselves and supplement their income. This photograph likely belonged to that world of public performance and self-support, though the troupe is not identified on the card.
Price: $250.00