Last week I showed you the beautiful work Val Erde at Colouring the Past did on my great-grandfather Adrian Zuidweg (Adriaan Zuijdweg) photograph, so I wanted Val to perform her magic on a woman or two in my photo collection.
Here is a photograph of Adrian’s wife, Cora DeKorn Zuidweg, my great-grandmother. I don’t believe I have shared this one yet as it was in the beautiful old album I only recently scanned. This is the youngest I have seen Cora where I knew for sure that it was, indeed, Cora.
Cora hasn’t quite lost the “baby fat” in her face here.
She is beautiful, though the photo has damage, especially foxing stains, on it.
But look at Cora after Val gives her some color!
I also asked Val to color a photo of Cora’s mother, Alice Paak DeKorn. The one I gave her was quite faded, so the resulting work is not as vibrant as the others, but it still allows Alice to come off the page into my heart.
Here was the original:
That does it for now with the “in living color” photos. I ordered these two and Adrian’s for this blog, and I share two others on my blog Entering the Pale. I hope to order more sometime in the future. Don’t hesitate to check out Val’s blog for more examples of her beautiful work.
These are lovely. What is the connection if any between the woman on the cover of Kin Types and Cora? I see a resemblance, but it just might be the expression. And what are foxing stains? I need to dig up a photo or two to send to Val.
Photogeneaologist Maureen Taylor and Twinsornot both believe Alice is on Kin Types. A teen Alice. Alice is Cora’s mother.
I knew there was a resemblance! 🙂
You sure did!
Foxing stains are the brown stains on old photos and documents.
I’ve never heard that term before. I wonder why they are called that.
I can’t even guess!
Cora was very pretty – and such a lovely complexion! And Alice’s smile is great.
Pretty women. I am particularly fond of Alice’s sweet smile!
I dont usually like colorising but these work brilliantly.
I don’t like it when it looks fake, but I think Val’s work is so good. I am thrilled with the ones she’s done for me. it adds a whole other dimension to my view of my ancestors when I see these.
Yes, the originals are faded so they need some help
Absolutely beautiful!
I agree, Karen. Thank you so much!
Val is truly an artist and her work is gorgeous. I am so glad you had the pictures done. Great to have both and see them side by side.
What a different, right?! It makes them look almost alive is the best part of it.
The picture re done are awesome Luanne, have a great day.
I am so happy with them. Thanks, Paula!
Inspirational. 🙂
Thanks for stopping by!
I think colourising must take a lot of talent. Your post inspired me to do some research and I found this short video of a man who found an old photograph of his grandfather and was able to colourise it, seemingly with authentic colours. He shows how it was done.
Thank you for visiting my blog
Regards
Anne
Color gave her so much character! Beautiful photos
I agree! Thanks so much, Jeanne!
I love the color effect in these photos! I see someone posted how it was done. I’ll definitely watch it. How many poems have you written about your family history? I can imagine this research sparks quite a few poems. Have a great week–
I can’t be sure if what is done in the video is what Val does, but at least it gives an idea! Most of my poems about family history are in my chapbook Kin types. It’s a small volume. It was a very specific project that I conceived of after a few pieces and then worked toward finishing the collection. You have a good one, too, Patti!
Really striking photos. It’s amazing the difference that colour makes.
You are as surprised as I was. I don’t even know why we’re surprised since we know the difference between black and white movies and color movies. But with these old photos it has the effect of being astonishing, doesn’t it?!