1800's "Hidden Mother" or "Ghost Mother" Baby Photo

This original 19th-century cabinet card photograph features a classic "hidden mother" or "ghost mother" pose, a technique commonly used in early photography to keep baby still. In this photo, only the mother’s hand is visible, supporting the baby while Mom remains hidden beneath fabric. The card shows expected age-related wear but retains good clarity and detail. The "ghost" reference comes from the eerie effect of mothers being draped in dark fabric or partially obscured.