John Henning with Group of Ladies 1843 - 1847

"John Henning with Group of Ladies" is a calotype photograph taken by the Scottish partnership of Hill and Adamson between 1843 and 1847. The image, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, features John Henning, a well-known sculptor, seated with three women in a casual setting. This calotype, a type of early photographic process, showcases Hill and Adamson's pioneering work in capturing naturalism and capturing the essence of their subjects. The blurred background and close-cropped composition further emphasize the intimacy of the scene. The image is a prime example of the early development of photography as a means of capturing portraits and everyday life.