“Photographic Study [Clementina Maude, Seated]” by Clementina Fleeming, Lady Hawarden

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Photographic Study [Clementina Maude, Seated]

Photographer: Clementina Fleeming, Lady Hawarden

Early 1860s

Albumen silver print from glass negative

20.1 x 14.4 cm (7 15/16 x 5 11/16 inches)

Courtesy of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York

Gilman Collection, Purchase, Harriette and Noel Levine Gift, 2005

Click on image to enlarge it

Commentary from the Metropolitam Museum Website

Clementina Maude, her mother's preferred model, is seen here in a reflective pose against a star-studded wall. The casual placement of the shawl on the table and the girl's loose hair contribute to the feeling of intimacy. In the airy room time seems to be suspended. The sensuous curves of the table legs, the soft weight of the crushed velvet, and the crispness of the starry wallpaper are enhanced by the skillful handling of the collodion technique. The composition, devoid of Victorian clutter, brings together light, shadow, and compositional elements in a spare and appealing interplay. In contrast to the prevailing fashion of giving literary or sentimental titles to portraits of young women, Lady Hawarden titled her works simply "Photographic Study."

Last modified 30 September 2020