One photo, or is it two?

Twenty-seven years ago, I visited my Great-Uncle Don, my grandfather’s youngest brother. Besides reminiscing, I wanted to view his collection of family photos. Using a tripod, I made photographic copies of his photos.¹Photos belonged to the late Donald Norenberg (1921-2012). Photographic copies made by Karrie Blees, July 2, 1997, Bemidji, MN.

There was one that was very difficult photograph because it was encased in an old-style oval frame with bubble (convex) glass.

This photograph is affectionately called The Engagement Portrait. Featured are Bertha Arndt and Constantin Nörenberg. I love seeing my great grandparents as young people. However, I do not believe that they sat together for this portrait.

One photo, or two?

Why do I think that this portrait is a composite?

First, Bertha was not as tall as Charlie. (On his Cass County, MN 1917 Draft Registration form, he is listed as “tall.”) In the oval portrait, she is behind him and their respective heights seem misrepresented.

Second, Great Uncle Don had another photograph of his father; Constantin is alone in the photo.

Constantin Nörenberg, undated photograph

And the final, convincing piece of this puzzle was found the day after I visited Don. My grandpa’s eldest sister, Great Aunt Elsie, had this photo postcard in her collection:²Photo belonged to the late Elsie Norenberg Erickson (1915-2015). Photographic copies made by Karrie Blees, July 3, 1997, Bemidji, MN.

Bertha Arndt and her brother Emmanuel (1895-1943), undated photo postcard

Conclusion: Two Photos Become One Portrait

Bertha’s hair and jewelry are identical in postcard with her brother as in the beloved Engagement Portrait. Constantin’s hat has the same dimple in both of his photos.

Perhaps Constantin had this composite photo made as a gift for Bertha.

SOURCES

• 1
  Photos belonged to the late Donald Norenberg (1921-2012). Photographic copies made by Karrie Blees, July 2, 1997, Bemidji, MN.
• 2
  Photo belonged to the late Elsie Norenberg Erickson (1915-2015). Photographic copies made by Karrie Blees, July 3, 1997, Bemidji, MN.