Mrs. Dobie and her daughter Barbara before 1896

This is a portrait print of Mrs. Dobie and her daughter Barbara by an unknown artist. The portrait is a product of its time, likely the 19th century, when printed portraits gained popularity among the middle classes, especially in countries like England and America. Consider the social and cultural role that such images played. Portraiture was no longer just for the aristocracy; it was now a way for families to assert their status and respectability. The clothing, hairstyle, and even the pose would have been carefully chosen to project an image of domestic virtue and social standing. The book in which the prints are kept is part of the institutional history here. Preserved in such a format, its cultural value is ensured. To fully understand this artwork, we might delve into genealogical records, social histories of the time, and studies of fashion and portraiture. Only then can we appreciate the complex interplay of individual identity and social norms captured in this seemingly simple image.