One thing that has struck me as I have trawled through hundreds of photographs over the past few years is the way some people look to be people of their time and others, despite the period clothing and arrangement of the hair, have thoroughly modern faces.
The members of this family certainly look to be people of the late 1860 or early 1870s.
Williamstown, c1870
Yet to me, this couple, the woman especially, look as if they are modern people who have dressed up to have their photo taken at Sovereign Hill.
Launceston, c.1878
The impression of a modern face may come from the sitters’ direct gaze.
Hobart, 1887
Hull, 1878
Melbourne, c1881-1883
Even when the sitter is not looking at the camera, change the hairstyle, put on today’s fashions and these women could be someone you know.
Photographer: Batchelder & Co
Melbourne, 1881
Melbourne, c1875-1880
London, c1872-1876
And then there are these whose faces I am certain I have seen walking in the street.
Sydney, c1889-1898
Melbourne, c1876-1888
Photographer: John Botterill
Melbourne, c1891-1896
Which all goes to prove, as I often say, that those who lived in the past are in so many ways like us today. Yes, they lived in a different world and had attitudes to some things that we no longer understand but at heart they had the same hopes and longings as we have to find both love and security and a better future for their children.
____________________________________________________________________
All images are courtesy of the State Library of Victoria
Catherine Meyrick 
Beautifulness. I always have a wistful feeling looking at old photos. In the digital age most photos will probably be lost to cancelled accounts and misplaced phones and devices. This generation and those to come will never understand what they lost until it is too late.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is such a pity. In a way it’s even like that with people too. I think of my grandparents, and parents, there are so many things I want to know now, but didn’t even know to ask when I was younger.
LikeLiked by 1 person