c. 1833

Calling Card with Cat and Kittens in the Artist’s Studio

German, 1807 - 1871

Translated into English, the papers shown in Otto Speckter’s portfolio are labeled “Good Resolutions Attempt,” “Diagrams,” “Castles in the Sky,” “Wishes,” and “Hamburg Views.” One kitten paws at the Nonprofit Almanac for 1833, and by the flowerpot is a crumpled sheet with the heading “Invoice.” Under the shelf at far right is an album called Portraits of the Dead & Living; the horizontal volume is labeled Souvenir Pictures; the other books are titled Children’s Tales, Youthful Dreams, and Bible.