Alfred, Lord Tennyson (Dirty Monk) c. 1865 - 1893

This striking portrait, "Alfred, Lord Tennyson (Dirty Monk)," is a work by renowned photographer Julia Margaret Cameron, taken sometime between 1865 and 1893. Cameron, a pioneer of the Pre-Raphaelite movement in photography, is known for her dramatic and evocative portraits. Here, she captures the poet Alfred, Lord Tennyson, in a contemplative pose, his long beard and hair adding to the image's romantic and almost melancholic feel. This work is a testament to Cameron's ability to imbue photography with the same emotional depth and artistic qualities as traditional painting. The soft focus and rich tonal range of the image contribute to its timeless and evocative quality. This work, currently housed at the Art Institute of Chicago, remains a powerful example of Cameron's artistry and her skill in capturing the essence of her subjects.