[A lady, possibly Susan (Mangold) Barnum.] Carte Imperiale (early cabinet card) on albumen paper, circa 1866-1870, Imprint: none. Probably from J. G. Mangold's DuQuoin studio. [AJB:35]

Our fashion interpreter, Glenna Jo Christen said "this picture either was taken before '66 or '67 or else she is very behind the fashions, which is a distinct possibility. Given the date of the card style the latter would be more likely. Generally when someone drags their feet about changing with the fashions they do keep up at least somewhat in some areas. She almost epitomizes the war years fashions."

Glenna's early date for the costume put this cabinet card early among those produced for portraits in the United States. Certainly, the cabinet format was not in use prior to 1866 in the States, yet the clothing suggests a even earlier date. The cabinet card's popularity did not overtake the carte de visite until the 1880s.