Antique Stereoview Card - \"The Little Playmates\" by Geo. Barker, 1890 for Sale

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Antique Stereoview Card - \"The Little Playmates\" by Geo. Barker, 1890 For Sale

Title: The Little Playmates

Publisher: Geo. Barker

Date: 1890

Physical Description:

Format: Stereoscopic card
Dimensions: Standard stereocard size (approximately 7 x 3.5 inches)
Material: Cardboard mount with two albumen Children playing with pets
Description: The image captures a charming scene of four young children playing with their pets, including a dog and a cat, in a garden setting. The children are seated and standing around a small cart, with a porch and a seated man in the background. The scene provides a warm and nostalgic view of childhood in the late 19th Information: \"Geo. Barker, Niagara Falls, N.Y.\"
Title: Clearly marked at the bottom front of the card as \"The Little Playmates\"
Awards: The card mentions several awards: \"Grand Prize Diamond Badge 1887\" and \"Gold Medal Paris 1889\"

Historical Context

Geo. Barker:

Photographer: George Barker was a prominent 19th-century American photographer based in Niagara Falls, New York. He is well-known for his landscape photography, particularly of Niagara Falls, as well as his genre scenes like this one.
Significance: Barker\'s work is significant for its quality and the historical record it provides of life in the late 19th century. His images often won awards and were exhibited internationally.

Cultural Relevance:

Victorian Childhood: The scene depicted is reflective of Victorian-era childhood, where outdoor play and interaction with pets were common. The children\'s clothing and the garden setting provide a window into the lifestyle and domestic environment of the period.
Awards: The awards mentioned on the card (Grand Prize Diamond Badge 1887 and Gold Medal Paris 1889) highlight the recognition Barker received for his photographic work, indicating the quality and acclaim of his images.

Historical Photography Enthusiasts:

The stereoscopic card offers a historical view of late 19th-century childhood and domestic life, appealing to those interested in early photography and social history.

Collectors of Victorian Era Artifacts:

The card showcases typical Victorian-era scenes and fashion, making it attractive to collectors with an interest in the period\'s lifestyle and artifacts.

Antique Collectors:

As a representation of early photographic techniques and a window into past social customs, this card is a valuable piece for collectors of antique and vintage items.