[–] 11 points 4 months ago* (last edited 4 months ago) (2 children)

Although adults often did have solemn expressions, there are several photos from the late 19th Century featuring people smiling.

Here's one of my favourites, from the 1880s.

1880s sepia tone photograph of a smiling baby

In case you're wondering why the background looks so weird, it's a "hidden mother" photo. The baby's mum will have been sitting behind them, disguised by the fabric.

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