[Woman] 1845 - 1850

“[Woman]” is a 19th-century salt print photograph by Calvert Richard Jones, taken between 1845 and 1850. The image captures a woman seated, her gaze directed to the side, against a darkened background. Her dress and elaborate hairstyle reflect the fashion of the time, while the slightly blurred details and the soft lighting characteristic of early photographic techniques create a sense of intimacy and mystery. Jones’s work was instrumental in popularizing portraiture during the dawn of photography, and "[Woman]" exemplifies his mastery of capturing the subtle nuances of human expression. The photograph, now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection, stands as a timeless testament to the art of early photography.