The Madame B Album c. 1870s

"The Madame B Album" (c. 1870s) is an albumen print by Marie-Blanche Hennelle Fournier, a prominent French photographer known for her skillful use of light and composition. The artwork depicts a young woman posed against a window, framed by delicate floral arrangements. The intricate, hand-painted design with forget-me-nots and latticework surrounding the portrait exemplifies Fournier's artistry and her ability to create intimate, sentimental portraits. The albumen print, a common technique in the 19th century, lends a soft, nostalgic quality to the image, making it a treasured example of Victorian-era photography. This piece is part of the Art Institute of Chicago's collection.