Cabinet Card Photograph of a Woman by Chicago's Only Professional Woman Photographer

Chicago: Miss Nikodem, [circa 1885].

Price: $1,250.00

Unbound. Image measures "4" x 5.5" on a 4.25" x 6.5" card printed at the bottom with the imprint of Miss Nikodem with her Chicago address. Slight wear, just about fine. Excellent and beautifully composed image of an unidentified and well-dressed bes'[ppectacled woman with an elaborate hat, possibly in mourning dress, with rich photographic tones.

According to *Origin, Growth, and Usefulness of the Chicago Board of Trade: Its Leading Members, and Representative Business Men in other Branches of Trade* (1885): "Miss A.M. Nikodem, Photographic Artist. No. 701 West Madison Street. - One of the most popular and finely appointed photographic studios in Chicago is that conducted by Miss A.M. Nikodem, who succeeded Mr. M. T. Baldwin one year ago. This lady, who is regarded as one of the most skillful and accomplished photographic artists in the city, occupies an entire two-storied building completely equipped with all modern improvements and appliances and her elegantly furnished parlors are the resort of the élite of Chicago. Miss Nikodem is the only lady in the city who give personal attention to the taking of pictures, etc., and having had an extended practical and theoretical training she has attained a marked perfection in her art. In social circles Miss Nikodem occupies a prominent position both as a skillful artist and estimable lady, while in the business world she is held in high esteem as an enterprising and capable woman."

Nikodem occupied the studio at this address from 1885-1891, and then moved to another location. 1895 is the last year in which she seems to be listed in Chicago city guides. Despite her prominence, photographs from her studio are exceptionally uncommon. Nikodem's skill is fully on display in this portrait. The three or four other examples of her work we could find, all in library special collections, are all of women or girls, and they display a uniform artistic excellence and technical photographic skill.


Item #394552

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Item #394552 Cabinet Card Photograph of a Woman by Chicago's Only Professional Woman Photographer. Miss NIKODEM, A M.