what I really like about all these vintage couple’s portraits is that there is a very certain romatic decorum kept up – certain themes and poses – which, while of course being the mainstream preferred view of couples repeated throughout many studios, are just… so nice to look at.
this staged affection, a mix of theatricality and intimacy, the couple holding still for a couple of moments and now immortalised in a very set sequence of embraces and kisses. there is a charm to it even when I can’t tell whether this was a genuine couple portait or just actors hired by the photographer.
the kiss on the bare shoulder (eyes perfectly averted), the cheek caress, the piano and the violin, the interrupted embrace, the woman tilted back as in a half-stopped dance…
I simply must torment you a bit with these, let us see some of my personal favourites! (part one due to the image limit)
let us start with the kiss on the cheek (eyes averted! oh the pose! these were taken between 1910-1940)
or the nearly opposite energy (how daring!) of the kiss or caress with direct eye contact (1910-1930)
and then the innocent – yet so flirty – classic of the park encounter! (1890-1920)
and then the famed kiss on the bare shoulder – what an idea, what a vibe, such intimacy! (1910-1930)
and oh, I am not done, look at this – the adoration of the woman! look at this expression, this pose, this decorum! (1910-1940)
and then some of my favourites from the more playful or direct category, enjoy (1910-1930):
and, at last (thank you for still being here and witnessing my recent fascination with vintage polish photography) my three absolute favourites outside of any particular categories (1910-1930)
just look at her. just look.
