A cacophony in Finland, 1893
Anonymous

An unmounted, glossy silver gelatin print showing as charming staged scene with an even more charming inscription, showing what purports to have been a cacophonous musical experience in Finland one June day in 1893.

Inked inscriptions recto in a period hand read 'A moving ditty / Finland, June 1893' and in the opposite corner 'and a still more moving singer.'  Another longer inscription in the same hand on the reverse of the print reads:

'Will no one tell me what she sings!
Perhaps the plaintive numbers flow
For old, unhappy, far-off things
And battles long ago;
Or is it some more humble lay,
Familiar matter of today?
Some natural sorrow, loss or pain
That has been and may be again!'

 (Mons. Doriac and Uncle Alick sotto voce)

 'Whate’er the theme, the maiden sang
As if her song could have no ending.'

Photographer unidentified.

Condition: please see scans. The print presents a few minor imperfections and very slightly bumped corners but is otherwise in excellent condition, with very good tonal range.

Dimensions: the print measures 4.7” by 6.6” (12 cm by 16.9cm).