Marie Spartali 1868

This 1868 photograph by Julia Margaret Cameron depicts Marie Spartali, a prominent figure in the Pre-Raphaelite movement. Cameron's style is characterized by its soft focus and dramatic lighting, capturing the ethereal beauty of her subject. The flowing gown, intricate hair adornment, and introspective gaze create a sense of romanticism and a timeless quality. The image was likely intended as a portrait study, showcasing both Cameron's mastery of the photographic medium and Spartali's striking features. "Marie Spartali" is an example of Cameron's "high art" approach to photography, which challenged the conventional view of photography as a purely documentary art form.