Ruthenian woman
The The New York Public Library has begun to post photos from its archives on Flickr. This image is taken from the “Ellis Island” pool.
Ruthenian Woman circa 1906.
Not only are her eyes arresting, but she looks as if she’s in costume for something. And of course she’s in costume for her real life. Still trying to wrap my head around this. I wonder if this is really her everyday appearance, captured as she went about her business, or if the photographer asked her to wear something that was traditional so that he could photograph her. I have a hard time believing anyone in 1906 went about their daily business wearing that many necklaces – but what do I know?
Originally uploaded by New York Public Library
And then we have this poor woman, trying to go about her business and take care of two children while wearing the bulkiest skirt in the history of fabric. That would be tiresome. Also, she looks about 22 or so. And that older kid looks about, what – 4 or 5?
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