Figure 1.--A HBC Canadian reader writes, "We were trying to date this painting of a young girl. Based on some of the info we saw on your site, it looks like the 1830s. This girl must have been from a wealthy background.".

We note some images which we have found difficult to date with any precession. Many of these images are paintings by unknown artists. Any insights HBC readers can offer would be most apprecaited to help date these images. We also have a section with difficult boys' images to date chronologically, but these are difficult girls' images.

Difficult Image: Probably 1830s

A Canadian HBC reader writes, "We were trying to date this painting of a young girl (figure 1). Based on some of the info we saw on your site, it looks like the 1830s. This girl must have been from a wealthy background." -- Fred Connon. HBC is no expert in girls' clothing, but I think the reader's estimate is probably correct. It is definitely not 20th century or late 19th century. Late Victorian clothing was much more prudish. Nor does it look 18th century. Thus early 19th century is I think a safe bet. I think the 1830s is a very reaspnable guess, although I would not entirely rule out the 1820s or 40s. I also think that the reader is correct that only a realtively affluent family could afford such a quality portrait. Also notice the ringlet curls.

Created: June 13, 2003
Last updated: June 13, 2003