Louise-Marie-Julie 1849

"Louise-Marie-Julie" is a 1849 daguerreotype by Louis-Adolphe Humbert de Molard, currently housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The image depicts a young woman, likely a member of the artist's family, seated with a melancholic expression. Her attire, a white bonnet and checkered dress, reflects the fashion of the era, while the soft lighting and subtle background create a sense of intimacy. The daguerreotype's small size, 16.6 x 12.9 cm, emphasizes its delicate nature and highlights the technical proficiency of the artist. This portrait, with its simple composition and introspective subject, offers a glimpse into the lives and sensibilities of the 19th century.