This postcard photograph of a party, two women and four men, was not printed by a studio – and the reverse lacks any marks at all that might furnish clues to the people or the event.
The group is standing in front of a rococo background, which could be a theater or opera house – or merely a painted backdrop.
The dress, although not formal, is appropriate for an evening “out”.
Each of the men is wearing a high starched collar; one sports a bow time.
The women appear to be wearing dresses, and their hair is cut.
I believe that a pair of long gloves covers the arms of one woman.
Interestingly, two of the young men are wearing glasses.
The expressions are serious, but that may reflect the lingering effects of earlier photographic norms.
Here is the Google Summary:
The stern expressions often seen in early photographs are primarily due to the long exposure times required by the photographic processes of the time. People had to remain perfectly still for several minutes to capture a clear image, making it difficult and uncomfortable to maintain a smile.
+ + + + + +
We can only speculate about the significance of the photograph
None of the men or women appear to be paired; to me the group suggests an association, society, or a troupe.
Someone preserved the photograph in very good condition for a century.
One hopes that the occasion was a happy one and that each participant retained a pleasant memory of the event.
