The Madame B Album c. 1870s

"The Madame B Album" is a photographic album created by Marie-Blanche Hennelle Fournier in the 1870s. This album features portraits of various individuals, arranged in a grid pattern within circular and rectangular frames. Fournier was a prominent photographer who worked in Chicago, and this album serves as a testament to her artistry and the evolving role of photography in documenting social life. The album's format reflects the popularity of photographic albums in the Victorian era, where they functioned as both personal records and social statements. The album's composition, featuring multiple portraits within an intricate grid, speaks to the evolving style of 19th century portraiture.