[Female Nude in Studio] 1856 - 1859

“[Female Nude in Studio]” is a striking example of the burgeoning photographic art of the mid-19th century. Created by French photographer Franck-François-Genès Chauvassaignes, the piece captures a female nude, seated and contemplative, within the intimate setting of an artist’s studio. The use of natural light and the soft focus of the image evokes a sense of intimacy and sensuality, characteristic of early photography. The composition's emphasis on the subject’s figure, set against the backdrop of studio furniture and tools, invites viewers to consider the relationship between art, the artist, and the model. Now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, this work reflects the evolving role of photography in the artistic landscape of the 19th century.