Objects

A portrait photograph of Helena Rubinstein, in left profile, taken at a photographic studio in Melbourne circa 1902. The woman is sitting sideways on a chair, resting her right elbow on the backrest. She is dressed in an elegant outfit typical of that period. The top is a lace blouse with a decorative collar, with puffed sleeves, which extend to the elbows and smoothly transition into tapered cuffs. Beneath her neck, she wears a brooch. Over the blouse, she has a fitted, decorative corset without sleeves, emphasising her waist. Her skirt is heavy, with wide pleats, waist-cinched, and reaches the floor. Her head is adorned with a hat, featuring a feather plume. Her hair is gathered and styled at the back of her head. In her left ear, there is a small earring. The background, n front of which Helena Rubinstein poses, is neutral white with sepia shading.

The photograph dates from the period of Helena Rubinstein's emigration to Australia, where she opened her first beauty salon in Melbourne. In the photo, she is posing in an elegant dress, typical of Victorian fashion. She appears extraordinarily sophisticated.

Monika Harchut