The Madame B Album c. 1870s

This 19th-century photographic portrait, "The Madame B Album," by Marie-Blanche Hennelle Fournier, showcases the artistic talents of a prominent female photographer. The ornate oval frame, adorned with cherubs and intricate foliage, draws the viewer's attention to the central figures, likely a mother and daughter, their faces rendered with delicate detail. This image, now held by The Art Institute of Chicago, is an example of Fournier's skill in both portraiture and composition, capturing a moment of intimacy within a visually arresting composition.