Four jockeys pose together in a studio portrait made by C.F. Halm of Constanz, dating to the 1880s based on the mount style and gold-bordered cabinet card format. Two men are seated flanking a carved barley-twist pedestal table, while two others stand behind them, one resting an arm casually on his neighbor's shoulder. The group composition and champagne props suggest a celebratory occasion, possibly following a race meeting.
Three of the four wear matching dark satin riding silks with button-front jackets and peaked jockey caps, while the standing figure at center right is dressed in a white double-breasted jacket and soft white cap. The two seated men wear tall black riding boots with decorative stitching and hold riding crops, and a champagne bottle with two flute glasses is arranged on the table between them.
C.F. Halm operated a studio in Constanz, Germany, and the quality of the mount and printing reflects a well-established commercial portrait practice. The black-painted reverse bears a partial ghost impression of a stamp or label, now largely illegible.
From the collection of James Lee Soffer
Available payment options