The Madame B Album c. 1870s

This album page, by Marie-Blanche Hennelle Fournier, combines a photographic portrait with watercolor drawing. This was a popular form of feminine artistry in the mid-19th century. Fournier has surrounded the image of Madame B, likely a friend or relative, with a garland of flowers. Note how the crisp, mechanical precision of the photograph is set off against the soft, organic quality of the hand-painted floral border. Photography, even in its early days, was a product of industrial capitalism, while watercolor was still considered an essential skill for women of a certain class. The Madame B Album represents a collision of these two worlds. Fournier's work reminds us that even the most seemingly straightforward images are in fact the product of many hands, processes, and social forces. By recognizing these influences, we can begin to see the full depth and complexity of this artwork.