Cabinet Card, Child in Pinafore with Kitten

This child's straight hair has been carefully curled for the photo session; it is probably a girl, but could be a boy, despite the ruffly pinafore. The child's hand rests gently on the kitten. They both look at the camera with a little bit of suspicion. A beautifully balanced composition.

Percy Putnam and his Banty Rooster

Here's little Percy Putnam cradling his bantam rooster. This is a studio photo, probably from the 1890s. As I've collected these images, I've been surprised at the number of poultry pets. Some children had their pictures taken with their chickens in the farmyard or on the steps of their home, but amazingly many took their chicken or goose in to the photographer's studio for a formal portrait.