Victorian Ghost Cat - Creepy Baby - Hidden Mother - CDV Photo, c. 1800s

(2 1/2 x 4 1/8 In) This is an original antique carte de visite photograph from the 1800s. It shows a Victorian baby in a winter bonnet posing on a specially made baby-sized armchair. This photo has been one of my favorites for years. At first glance it seems to be an  average Victorian baby portrait. But look closer! One arm of his "hidden" mother can be seen at the far left edge and on the right is an unusual artifact that appears to me as if it were a "ghost cat" sitting atop the arm rest. I'm not sure what caused it, possibly his mother moved something briefly into the frame while the camera shutter was still open. Maybe the photographer made a mistake during the developing process. It seems the contrast was light enough at the time of taking that the photographer decided to draw baby's pupils onto the negative. Or... perhaps the spirit of a Persian kitten was incidentally captured sitting on the arm rest to pose with its little friend. In any case it's a fascinating image that captures my imagination and makes me wonder about the possibilities.

The photo is in VERY GOOD condition, light wear at the edges, a few small stains, light contrast, very faint unreadable writing on the back.