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Primary sourcePhotograph28 April 1891

Susan B. Anthony Photographed by C.M. Bell, Washington

C.M. Bell (Firm: Washington, D.C.) · 28 April 1891

A studio photograph of Susan B. Anthony taken from behind in a Washington, D.C. studio in 1891, during the suffrage campaign.

A studio portrait of Anthony taken during her active suffrage campaigning in Washington in 1891.

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Black-and-white glass negative photograph of a woman seen from behind, wearing a dark velvet dress with a high lace collar and a bustle, with her hair in an updo. She stands beside a carved wooden pedestal on a fur rug against a painted floral backdrop. Handwritten label reads Miss Anthony 2 and number 36476.
Susan B. Anthony, photographed by C.M. Bell, Washington, D.C., 28 April 1891.

About this source

What it is

This is a glass negative photograph taken on 28 April 1891 by the C.M. Bell studio in Washington, D.C. It shows a woman seen from behind, in a dark velvet dress with a bustle and lace collar, standing beside a carved pedestal in a studio set with a painted backdrop. A handwritten label identifies the subject as Anthony.

Why it matters

This image dates from a period when Anthony was actively campaigning for women's suffrage in Washington. Unusual studio photographs like this, taken from behind, give a glimpse into how portrait photography of public figures was staged at the time.

Look closer

  • Why might a photographer choose to photograph a subject from behind rather than facing the camera?
  • What does the handwritten label tell you about how the photograph was catalogued?
  • What details of fashion and studio setting can you identify?

This photograph is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of Susan B. Anthony on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.

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