The Broken Saucer 1890

J. B. B. Wellington's "The Broken Saucer" (1890) is a striking example of Pictorialism, a photographic movement that sought to elevate photography to the level of fine art. The image portrays a woman in a simple white dress and apron stepping over a broken saucer with a child standing beside her. The composition is intimate, with the figures filling the frame and drawing the viewer into the scene. Wellington's skillful use of light and shadow adds depth and emotion to the image. The worn brick steps and overgrown foliage suggest a sense of time and place, contributing to the work's melancholic atmosphere. The image's small scale, only 7 3/16 x 5 3/16 inches, further emphasizes its intimate and personal nature.