Söstrene Edding are identified in pencil inscription on the reverse of this CDV, the name suggesting a Scandinavian sisterly act or duo, likely connected to theatrical or circus performance. The albumen print dates to the 1870s based on the costume styling and mount format, and carries no photographer's imprint on either face or reverse.

The subject is seated on a prop rock with a small floral arrangement at its base, her skirt raised to expose white stockings and a laced ankle boot. She wears a heavily ruched and corseted satin bodice with lace-trimmed cuffs and a small brooch at the throat, while an extraordinarily voluminous natural hairstyle radiates widely from the crown. Her expression is direct and composed, both hands resting in her lap.

The theatrical styling, abbreviated skirt hem, exposed leg, and dramatic hair are consistent with stage portraiture of the period, in which performers posed in costume for commercially distributed cartes de visite.

The reverse bears the pencil inscription "Söstrene Edding" in a period hand, with no photographer's imprint visible on either side of the mount.

From the collection of James Lee Soffer