Portrait of a Woman c. 1860s

"Portrait of a Woman" is a carte de visite photograph created by Henrietta M. Hart, an American photographer, circa the 1860s. The image captures a woman in a formal pose, seated with a book on a stand, likely in a studio setting. The woman’s serious expression and attire, including a long dress with elaborate sleeves, reflect the formality of portraiture during this era. The small size of the photograph, typical of the carte de visite format, suggests its intended use as a personal memento or social calling card.