My Beloved Son 1871

"My Beloved Son" is a portrait photograph of Julia Margaret Cameron's son, Henry, taken in 1871. Cameron was a pioneer of photography, and her work often explores themes of beauty, emotion, and the human condition. This image features Henry in close-up, with a soft focus and dramatic lighting that emphasizes his features and creates a sense of intimacy. Cameron's use of the wet collodion process, which results in a slightly hazy and textured image, enhances the romantic and evocative quality of this portrait. This work is currently in the collection of The Art Institute of Chicago.