RARE CABINET PHOTO ACTOR TONGUE OUT PHANTOM FLUTE F.JAY HAYNES STUDIO DEPICTION

Description

THIS ANTIQUE CABINET CARD PHOTOGRAPH TRANSCENDS THE GENRE. It’s a serious work of art, even as the narrative mimics pretentiousness. The actor appears to be playing an imaginary musical instrument, though other interpretations are welcome. But he had the stamina (no doubt borne of his profession) to stay still in that pose. Remarkable image!
F. JAY HAYNES was an important 19th century photographer, situated in the northwest. Wikipedia has a very good biography on him. The graphic on back depicts his studio in St. Paul, Minnesota.
GRAPHIC ON BACK. The top shows his mammoth studio with signage over to the left: "Haynes PHOTO STUDIO."  The middle shows his logo with location: HAYNES SELBY AVE. COR VIRGINIA. STA. PAUL." The bottom shows a train car or trolley, and capitalizes on his renown as the photographer for the Northern Pacific Railroad and Yellowstone National Park: "HAYNES PALACE STUDIO ARTISTIC PHOTOGRAPHY IN ALL ITS BRANCHES F. JAY HAYNES OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHER NORTHERN PACIFIC. NORTHERN PACIFIC AND NATIONAL PARK VIEWS." Below that: "Negatives Preserved FOR Future Orders 1897."
SIZE. Approximately 6 1/2 x 4 1/4 inches.
CONDITION. Photo: A few spots and small marks. Light soiling. When tilted, some scuffing is apparent. Mount: Wear at corners. Some soiling and a scratch on front. Some soiling and foxing on back.
APPEARANCE. Deep and rich tones. Fantastic pose. Great photographer graphic on back.