King Arthur 1874

Julia Margaret Cameron’s 1874 portrait *King Arthur* is a striking example of her distinctive style of portraiture. Cameron, a pioneer of the Pre-Raphaelite photographic movement, utilized soft focus and dramatic lighting to create ethereal and emotional images. The subject, a man in armor and a feathered helmet, gazes pensively off to the side, capturing the essence of the legendary figure in a single, intimate moment. The use of detail, including the intricate chainmail and the sword, underscores Cameron's commitment to capturing the beauty of the human form and its connection to history and mythology. This iconic photograph, now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection, exemplifies Cameron’s unique artistry and continues to captivate audiences today.