Victorian / Edwardian Cabinet Card - Portrait of a London Nurse CBC15

This is a Victorian Cabinet Card - Portrait of a London Nurse   CBC15

The woman in the photograph is most likely a nurse, based on the style of her uniform, particularly the distinctive cap and apron.

• Cap Style: The woman's cap is a structured, white cap, characteristic of those worn by nurses in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, often adapted from nun's habits after Florence Nightingale's reforms emphasized professionalism in nursing. This style differs from the smaller, often lace-trimmed caps typically associated with maids.
• Apron and Dress: She wears a white apron over a dark, long-sleeved dress with a high white collar, which aligns with descriptions of early nursing uniforms designed for practicality and hygiene, although less so by modern standards.
• Historical Context: During the era this photograph was likely taken (late Victorian/early Edwardian), nursing was becoming a more formalized and respected profession, with distinct uniforms like the one shown serving to identify trained nurses. While domestic servants also wore uniforms, the specific combination of elements in the image points more strongly to a nursing occupation.

The photograph can be dated to the late Victorian to early Edwardian period, specifically between 1896 and 1912.