Mr and Mrs W. Beach 1853 - 1856

Jane Martha St. John, a pioneering female photographer, created this portrait of Mr. and Mrs. W. Beach in 1853-1856. The image, held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, showcases St. John's skill in capturing the Victorian era's formal portraiture style with a natural, outdoor setting. The couple is positioned on a garden bench, Mrs. Beach gazing at the viewer while Mr. Beach reads a book, their poses and attire reflecting the social norms of the time. The delicate details of the couple's clothing and the lush garden backdrop contribute to the photograph's timeless elegance and historical significance.