An extraordinary and intimate CDV-sized tintype capturing a 19th-century family in a formal studio setting. The mother, seated with a calm expression, is notably breastfeeding her youngest child, an incredibly rare and tender depiction for the era. Beside her sits the father, holding another young child, while an older boy stands between them, completing this beautiful familial composition.

The reverse of the image features the imprint of photographer S.M. Miller, based in Mason City, Illinois, located “one door North of the City Drug Store” on Main Street. The back advertises “Albums and Picture Frames in Endless Variety,” demonstrating the range of services offered by the studio. There is a name in pencil that can identify the sitter and will take a little effort to research.

The mother’s modest yet elegant attire, including a dark dress accented with lace, contrasts with the father’s sharp suit and bow tie. The children’s varying poses, one seated on the father’s lap and the infant cradled in the mother’s arms, emphasize the emotional bond of the family. This tintype’s ability to capture such an intimate, natural moment amidst the formality of early photographic portraiture adds to its rarity and cultural significance.