John Henning as Edie Ochiltree from Sir Walter Scott's "The Antiquary" 1843 - 1847

This calotype photograph, "John Henning as Edie Ochiltree from Sir Walter Scott's 'The Antiquary,'" was taken by the Scottish photography duo Hill and Adamson in 1843-47. The image features John Henning, a well-known sculptor, dressed as the fictional character Edie Ochiltree, a beggar woman from Sir Walter Scott's novel "The Antiquary." The photograph, part of a series of portraits of their friends and colleagues, showcases the artistry of early photography and the exploration of narrative and character in the medium. This image is a fine example of the calotype process, a technique that produces a soft, detailed image with rich tones.