Duchess of Kent 1860s

This is a salt print photograph by Antoine François Jean Claudet, created in the 1860s, showing a portrait of the Duchess of Kent. The photo, now part of the Art Institute of Chicago’s collection, showcases the refined techniques of early photography. The image captures the Duchess in a formal pose, her features illuminated with detail, against a simple backdrop. Claudet's masterful use of light and shadow enhances the sense of realism in this portrait, making it a captivating example of Victorian photographic artistry.