In the early part of the twentieth century, often times people sat for photos at a photographer's studio. There were painted backdrops, prop chairs, small pieces of furniture, etc. Photographs were also often printed as 3½" x 5½" postcards - a picture on the back, and space for a message and the address on the front.
I just came across a picture that was exactly as you've described here - it was a very old photo set up the same way, and made as a postcard. No writing was on it, unfortunately...but I think it was just of a family friend.
Afs, those are great pictures!
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Now I'm finding older ones...
July 27, 1924 - at Galveston 1924 - Kay Adams, Marlon Brando born
