The Madame B Album c. 1870s

The Madame B Album was made by Marie-Blanche Hennelle Fournier in the late 19th century, using photographs, watercolor, and ink on paper. This isn't just a collection of snapshots; it's a carefully constructed artwork, where photographic printing is combined with the artistry of painting and drawing. The sepia tones of the photographs give them a timeless, antique feel. These are contrasted with the delicate colors of the watercolor, which adds a layer of whimsy and personal touch. Note the hand-painted frames and decorative motifs, integrating each photograph into a larger artistic vision. In its time, photography was becoming more accessible, yet still required specialized knowledge and equipment. Fournier was working with a relatively new technology, combining it with traditional artistic skills. This speaks to a moment of transition, where handcraft and mechanical reproduction were not yet fully separated. It also suggests a substantial amount of labor-intensive hand work. Ultimately, The Madame B Album blurs the lines between personal keepsake and artistic creation, inviting us to reconsider the value we place on different forms of making.