Old Slough Bridge
Hand-colored photograph or photogravure on paper mount • Cutshall Studio, Wabasha, MN (identified by the blind stamp 'Cutshall WABASHA')
Style & Movement
Pictorialism / American Regionalism; decorative landscape photography
Medium & Technique
Photographic base (likely silver gelatin or early offset) with hand-applied watercolor or pastels; features a blind stamp and titled in graphite or print
Creation Period
Early 20th Century, approximately 1910–1930
Dimensions & Format
Panoramic landscape format; approximately 6" x 14" image size within a larger matted frame
Subject Description
A tranquil rural landscape featuring a wooden bridge over a waterway (the slough), flanked by deciduous trees under a muted, overcast sky. The composition emphasizes soft focus and light reminiscent of the Pictorialist movement.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good; visible foxing and moisture staining in the margins of the mount
Estimated Market Value
$50 - $150 USD
Auction Estimate
$30 - $80 USD
Provenance History
Likely produced as a local souvenir or decorative art piece from the Wabasha, Minnesota region; ownership appears private/residential based on framing style
Art Historical Significance
A representative example of local commercial photography studios in the Upper Midwest during the early 1900s, documenting regional landmarks using the popular 'art photography' aesthetic of the era.
Notable Features
Features a distinctive 'Cutshall WABASHA' blind stamp in the lower right corner and a handwritten-style title 'OLD SLOUGH BRIDGE' in the lower left
Condition Issues
Significant foxing (brown spots), yellowing of the paper matting, and moisture staining on the upper-left margin of the mount; potential light fading of the hand-coloring
Conservation Recommendations
Remove from acidic original backing; professional cleaning to reduce foxing; reframe with UV-protective glass and acid-free archival matting