The Madame B Album c. 1870s

"The Madame B Album" is a striking example of a Victorian album-style photograph by French artist Marie-Blanche Hennelle Fournier. The work features three portraits of women, framed by richly ornamented horseshoes and adorned with beads, bells, and floral motifs. This intricate composition is a testament to the decorative arts of the time, showcasing Fournier's skill in combining photographic imagery with hand-painted embellishments. The album-style format, popular in the 19th century, served as a personalized and intimate form of self-expression, allowing artists like Fournier to capture personal narratives and family histories.