Wonderful rare carte de visite photograph depicting a live squirrel posed in a studio setting, albumen print, mid to late 19th century. No photographer’s imprint visible.

The animal is shown in profile, perched on a fabric-covered support, with its bushy tail arched upward behind its body. The image is presented within a soft oval vignette against a neutral, slightly mottled background, emphasizing the subject’s texture and form. Unusual as a subject, the photograph reflects the period interest in animal studies and novelty imagery within the carte de visite format.