Hand-colored Picture of Edwin and Rebecca Hill Pettit

Pettit cousin Cheryl S. sent a copy of a picture of Edwin and Rebecca Hood Hill Pettit. The image was hand-colored, perhaps by the photographer, perhaps by someone else working in the studio.

My younger daughter was particularly impressed by Rebecca's jewelry, including her earrings, and with the color of Edwin's eyes. How much have the colors changed since the original work was done? How much have all those greens changed? Were Edwin's eyes really lavender?

Here is an interesting article about hand-colored images, including some notes about preservation. (Editor's note: the article recommends self-preservation of some images, but expert advice is appropriate in many cases.)

Thanks, Cheryl! What an amazing picture!