La Cigale 1899

"La Cigale" is a 1899 photographic portrait by Emma Justine Farnsworth, renowned for her evocative images. The photograph showcases a young woman adorned with a jeweled headdress and flowers, her gaze directed upwards. The backdrop, suggestive of a peacock's feathers, creates a dramatic and ethereal ambiance. The image captures the essence of a fleeting moment, a "cigale" or cicada, symbolizing the beauty and fragility of youth. This work exemplifies Farnsworth's artistic mastery of light and shadow, capturing a sense of mystery and allure.