Objects

This portrait photograph of Helena Rubinstein (bust shot), in profile, was taken in the Martens, Mais & Cie photography studio in Vienna, circa 1893. She is dressed in an elegant, patterned jacket with a decorative collar featuring silver-thread embroidery, topped with four decorative buttons. Underneath, she wears a lace blouse with a stand-up collar and, at the neck, adorned with an oval-shaped brooch.

Her head is decorated with an impressive hat with a wide brim, featuring a large white plume and a black accent at the front. Her hair is styled up, slightly wavy at the front, with strands falling onto her forehead. A visible earring is in her left ear. Helena Rubinstein gazes to the right. The background of the photograph is grey.

This photograph is affixed to light-brown cardboard, with slightly rounded corners. Beneath the image, there is a margin on which, on the left side, the name of the photography studio is visible: "Martens, Mais & Cie | K.u.K FOFFOTOGRAFEN." In the centre, there is the coat of arms of Austria-Hungary in blue and, on the right, the location: "WIEN I. | HEINRICHSHOF." The reverse side features an ornate print (a vignette) with the coat of arms of Austria-Hungary, the name of the photographic studio, its address, as well as advertising slogans and a decorative motif.

This photograph of Helena Rubinstein dates from her time in Vienna, when she stayed with her family and worked at a fur shop. In the photo, she appears stylish. The hat, which adds an air of elegance and seriousness, was a required accessory of the time.

Monika Harchut