Date1890
MediumPaint on canvas
Dimensions169 x 95 in. (429.3 x 241.3 cm)
Donor credit lineEstate of James E. Reed
Object number1996.21.86.E
Institutional Credit LineCourtesy of the New Bedford Whaling Museum
DescriptionScenic photographic backdrop belonging to James E. Reed; painted on "Packard Bros. Scenic Studio Boston, Mass.", columns with flowers. Backdrop is original length, no nail holes present on the edge. Created by the Packard Brothers and sold by the Robey-French Co. of Boston.Related information: https://blog.library.si.edu/blog/2018/07/19/painted-backgrounds-for-turn-of-the-century-photographers/Exhibition HistoryReproduction in “'Look Pleasant, Please': Early Portrait Photography in New Bedford" (NBWM, January 16 – September 7, 2026)ProvenanceJames E. Reed, descended in the family to granddaughter, Mrs. Jean P. Evans; New Bedford Whaling Museum, 1996
On View
On view
1890
1890
1800-1880
Antarctic (Schooner)
Richardson, C. F.
Church, Albert Cook *
