The Madame B Album c. 1870s

The Madame B Album was made by Marie-Blanche Hennelle Fournier in the 19th century, using photography and album construction techniques. The photographs, carefully arranged within an ornate album, reflect both artistic skill and the social context of the time. The album's material components are significant, from the paper and photographic chemicals to the binding and decorative elements. The ambrotype was a positive photographic process on glass, popular for its relative ease and affordability. It democratized image-making, allowing a broader segment of society to participate in portraiture. This is placed within an album, which acted as a container and a means of display, with the decorative frame elevating the images from simple records to cherished keepsakes. Consider the labor involved: from the photographer and the manufacturer of photographic materials, to the artisans who crafted the album itself. By considering these elements, we gain insight into the cultural values, technological advancements, and economic forces that shaped its creation, challenging traditional notions of art.