Conspirator's Portraits

[L Verge]

"What's the deal with the photo of Mary that looks photoshopped to the point of changing her appearance? Michael Schein uses it in his book and it's just not accurate. "

That was no superficial observation; you were clearly insinuating that Mr. Schein (or someone else) had doctored the photo. I think many of us also understand your motives regarding any mention of Mrs. Surratt. You have certainly attacked others enough times... Enough said.

As for your comments about her wearing the same dress in both photos: Are you comparing the 1850s one to the one taken in probably 1864 or 65? They are definitely two different dresses. Again, you would need to see the original CDV - which extends below the waist - to see that even the bodice is different, as well as the treatment along the neckline.

Now, if you are talking about the chestline-upwards photos that usually appear in things about Mary, those are all the same photo cut from the 1850s original. And, those are the ones that some people think were retouched by the War Department in order to make her appear more like a criminal. Whoever cropped the portion below the bustline knew what they were doing because her hands, sleeves, and prayer book show her refinement.