This gelatin dry plate negative was taken in the Aultman Studio (Trinidad, Colo.) by Oliver E. Aultman (1867-1953) in 1905. The date and subject of the photograph are identified in the Aultman Studio register. The register identifies the individual in the portrait as Mary Frank. The image depicts a studio portrait of a Frank standing with her arms behind her back. Frank is wearing a elaborate white blouse with ruffles across the bust and a dark high-waisted skirt that ends at her ankles. At the top of her skirt is a belt. Her hair is pulled back. A studio back drop hangs behind her.
The Aultman Photography Studio (Trinidad, Colo.) operated out of Trinidad, Colorado from 1899-2000. Oliver E. Aultman (1867-1953) founded the studio and was its chief photographer until his son, Glenn Aultman (1904-2000) took over the business in the early 1950's. Otis A. Aultman (1874-1943), Oliver's younger brother, also operated at photography studio in the Trinidad area from 1892-1907. Several of his images are included in the Aultman Studio collection. While the Aultmans mostly produced studio portraits of Trinidad's residents, they also shot images of landscapes, streets scenes, mining operations, buildings, and local events. This photograph is part the Aultman Studio collection (Ph.00500).