The Madame B Album c. 1870s

"The Madame B Album" is a photographic album created by Marie-Blanche Hennelle Fournier, a French photographer active in the late 19th century. This album, dating back to the 1870s, features six portraits of individuals arranged in a circular pattern, adorned with colorful coats of arms and interconnected by delicate lines. The intricate design and use of hand-tinted photographic techniques are characteristic of Fournier’s work, showcasing her talent for combining traditional artistic elements with the emerging medium of photography. The album is now housed in the Art Institute of Chicago, providing a glimpse into the social and artistic circles of 19th-century France.