Carte-de-Visite

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General Robert E. Lee

General Ulysses S. Grant

Carte-de-Visite

Carte-de-Visite photographs (CdVs) were small photographic prints mounted on cards 2 ½ by 4 inches, a successor to engraved “calling cards.” These small albumen prints were exceptionally popular for approximately twenty years. They hit their peak popularity around the time of the American Civil War.

The format was an international standard – a first – so people knew that no matter where their friends and family might be, these “card portraits” would find a place in their albums. Their popularity was also due to the ease with which they could be sent (or carried) as there were no bulky cases or fragile glass. The fact that they were relatively inexpensive certainly did not hurt either.

As the Civil War began, many soldiers and their families posed for these affordable photographs before they were separated by war. Enjoying huge popularity from 1860-1866, cartes de visite were surpassed by larger cabinet cards (6 ½” x 4 ½”) from about 1866 into the 1900s.

The immense popularity of the format led to the publication and
collecting of “celebrity” photographs (like Abraham Lincoln, Queen Victoria, Napoleon). It is not unusual to find images
of prominent people mixed in with family and friends in a Carte-de-Visite album. Our collections held here reflect this.

Charles Manigault

Louis Manigault

Major General  William T. Sherman

Edwin Booth, brother John Wilkes Booth

Governor Francis Pickens

Governor Francis Pickens

These carte-de-visite will be on display at our:

Civil War Living History Event: Fashion Try-On
Saturday, January 8, 2011; 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

The Carolina
Ladies Aid Society will be at The Charleston Museum on Saturday, January
8, 2011 to assist you in creating your very own carte de visite
or mid 19th century studio photograph. The Ladies will have lots of
period clothing for men, women and children to try on along with
appropriate accessories and a studio background for your portrait. This
will be a unique opportunity to dress in clothing styles from the Civil
War era and capture that image for a lasting memory.

Bring your family, friends and camera for this fun and educational experience.
Free with admission to The Charleston Museum. (event info) 

Related Post: New Accessions: Nov 19, 2010 – featuring a carte-de-viste album