Photograph – Mexican Family Picnic Lunch (Early 1900s)
 
This extraordinary original early 20th-century photograph captures a candid moment of a Mexican family enjoying a picnic lunch, a rare subject matter for the era. Unlike the typical studio portraits of the time, this image was taken on location, offering an authentic glimpse into everyday life and cultural traditions in Mexico during the 1900s. The photograph is not a reprint, making it a valuable piece for collectors of vernacular photography and Mexican history.
 
Key Details:
Dimensions: 18.5 cm x 23 cm (approximately 7.3" x 9").
 
Material: Likely a gelatin silver or albumen print, mounted on period cardboard, as was common for early 20th-century photographs.
 
Rarity: Non-studio, outdoor family scenes from this period are exceptionally uncommon, as most photographs were posed in formal settings.
 
Condition: Very good, signs of age (e.g., minor edge wear, fading) consistent with vintage photographs, adding to its authenticity.
 
Historical Context:
Cultural Significance: Picnics were communal events tied to festivals like the Feast of St. John (June 24th), as seen in later artistic depictions such as John August Swanson’s Mexican Picnic (inspired by a 1925 family photo).
 
Photographic Trends: Early 1900s photography in Mexico often focused on portraiture or ethnographic studies; candid family moments like this are rare survivals.
 
Collector’s Notes:
A unique piece for enthusiasts of Mexican culture, social history, or early photography.
Ideal for display in a curated collection or as a centerpiece for discussions on vernacular photography.
 
Why This Stands Out:
The combination of non-studio setting, family interaction, and cultural specificity makes this photograph a rare window into the past—far removed from the stiff formalism of its time.
 
Shipping & Care:
Ships with archival-grade packaging to preserve fragility.
Recommend framing under UV-protective glass to prevent further fading.