Mrs. Craik 1850 - 1865

"Mrs. Craik" is a mid-19th century photographic portrait, an anonymous work housed at The Art Institute of Chicago. This striking image captures the sitter, Mrs. Craik, with a direct gaze and a composed posture, showcasing the emerging art of portrait photography. The use of natural light, evident in the soft shadows, adds depth to the image, and the detail in her dress and the surrounding foliage hints at the photographer's keen eye. The portrait's intimate scale, with its rounded frame, suggests the personal nature of this work, a testament to the growing popularity of photographic portraiture during this period.