Miss Kemp as Ophelia 1843 - 1847

This calotype portrait, created by the pioneering photography duo Hill and Adamson, depicts Miss Kemp in the role of Ophelia from Shakespeare's Hamlet. The image, taken between 1843 and 1847, showcases the early development of photographic portraiture. The soft focus and detailed rendering of Miss Kemp’s features, including the delicate flower crown and the flowing fabric of her dress, create a sense of melancholy and vulnerability, reflecting Ophelia's tragic fate in the play. "Miss Kemp as Ophelia" is a remarkable example of early photographic art, revealing the powerful expressive potential of this emerging medium.