Egyptian Princess c. 20th century

Herbert G. French created “Egyptian Princess” sometime between the late 19th and early 20th century, but the medium escapes me for now. Just look at the tonal range and soft gradations of light across the princess’s face and headdress! The artist, the photographer, must have coaxed these subtle shifts with a gentle hand. The print has an ethereal, dreamlike quality, almost like an apparition from a lost world. I wonder what French was thinking as he made this image? The Egyptian theme was fashionable at the time, but maybe he was also drawn to the mystery and allure of ancient cultures. The princess herself looks out with an air of regal composure and the artist has captured something profound in the model's unwavering gaze. Photography is an ongoing conversation and exchange of ideas across time, and this piece is a wonderful example of the way the photographic arts can be a form of expression, embracing ambiguity, uncertainty, and allowing multiple interpretations.