The photo was taking in 1898, Sunday morning in fall, because people did not work on Sunday and from the dry leaves, I can predict it is fall.
The setting set up in park, because it had lake (or river), trees, and the ladies sitting on the grasses (dry leaves); it is hard to find this nice place in the city, except park.
The ladies sat on a piece of fabric and enjoy their breads. Looking like having picnic outdoor, and they seem very relaxed.
The photographer might be friend of the ladies, because the ladies are smile and did not feel any uncomfortable. Two of the ladies looked straightly to the camera. And the other one was lying down and eating her food. This means they knew the photographer and willing taking photo by him or her.
The ladies dress formally and the hats looked very nice, their price must be very expensive. Which can tell the ladies are wealthy, may be middle class.
Only women on the photo, no men, which means the women, are independent; they can do whatever they want without men. So I guess the theme is about the women right
