Elaborate studio scene on horizontal cabinet card. Le Seuer, Minnesota: Frank M. Ingalls, ca 1880s. Verso inscribed in contemporary pencil: "With love from [?]lisa Kinsey." 

The staged theatrical composition depicts a bewigged white-haired gentleman in a tailcoat and white collar playing a violin in profile at left. To his right, an elaborately costumed young girl in a ruffled bonnet and layered bustle dress curtsies and poses as if singing or dancing to the accompaniment. The backdrop merges a garden pastoral scene with an interior studio flat depicting an ornate Victorian parlor fireplace mantel, creating a distinctive vaudevillian or traveling minstrel troupe aesthetic. Frank W. Ingalls operated his photographic studio in Le Sueur, Minnesota, during the 1880s and 1890s, producing compelling records of regional theater, performers, and local society.

[Music, Violin, Violinist, Fiddler, Theater, Vaudeville, Child Performer, Frank W Ingalls, Le Sueur Minnesota, Minnesota Photography, Cabinet Card, 19th Century Photography, Performing Arts]

Very good condition. The print displays strong clarity and rich sepia tones, and shows only minor edge rubbing to the mount.