The Madame B Album c. 1870s

"The Madame B Album" (c. 1870s) is a collection of six photographs by Marie-Blanche Hennelle Fournier (1831-1906), an important figure in early photography. These photographs depict a variety of subjects, including portraits of individuals and families, and were likely created for personal use or as keepsakes. This album, which is housed at the Art Institute of Chicago, provides a glimpse into the social and domestic life of a family during the 19th century. The album's distinct visual style, with its ornate framing and use of light and shadow, highlights Fournier's artistic sensibilities and underscores the importance of photography as a form of artistic expression in the 19th century.