Lady Hawarden photographs her daughter posing in a fine dress. The flower-like decoration at its low-cut neck is echoed by the flowers held in the model’s hand. Beside her is a table with small, special objects on its gleaming surface. The model looks directly into the camera lens. Her face is powerfully modelled by the light from the window, which balances the table.
Physical description
Sepia photograph, mounted on green card, of a young woman in a spotted dress.
5 Princes Gardens, interior: first floor, front: left window: screen: Isabella Grace (three-quarter length), seated, right elbow on decorated side-table, right hand on cheek, left hand holding tiara to breast. On table are Etruscan-ware vase, strings of pearls, shell-decorated box, salt and pepper cellar, jewelled button, candlestick with candle, and epergne. Article of clothing hanging on screen in background.
Place of Origin
South Kensington, England (photographed)
Date
ca. 1863-1864 (photographed)
Artist/maker
Clementina, Lady Hawarden, born 1822 - died 1865 (photographer)
Materials and Techniques
Albumen print from wet collodion negative
Dimensions
Height: 22.7 cm, Width: 27.5 cm
Historical context note
From departmental notes
'Clementina, Lady Hawarden(Untitled) Photographic Study (or) Study from Life (D.639) c.1863-c.1864 5 Princes Gardens, interior: first floor, front: left window: screen: Isabella Grace (three-quarter length), seated, right elbow on decorated side-table, right hand on cheek, left hand holding tiara to breast. On table are Etruscan-ware vase, strings of pearls, shell-decorated box, salt and pepper cellar, jewelled button, candlestick with candle, and epergne. Article of clothing hanging on screen in background. Inscription (verso): No. 120; Inscription (verso of mount): (X614-)120 227 x 275 mm PH 236-1947 Literature: ed. Graham Ovenden, Clementina Lady Hawarden, 1974, p.50. Microfilm: 3.18.125; V&A Picture Library negati no. GA 3460 (reference no. 19032). The Golden Age of British Photography (travelli exhibition), Victoria and Albert Museum, 1984-8 The image of a beautiful woman holding a box immediately brings to mind Pandora, though there is no other indication that this was the reading Lady Hawarden intended in this photograph and Ph 382-1947 (D.638). The shell-covered box is an example of the type of handicraft which Victorian women were encouraged to take up.'
Bibliographic References (Citation, Note/Abstract, NAL no)
Literature: ed. Graham Ovenden, Clementina Lady Hawarden, 1974, p.50. Microfilm: 3.18.125; V&A Picture Library negati no. GA 3460 (reference no. 19032).
Exhibition History
The Golden Age of British Photography (travelli exhibition), Victoria and Albert Museum, 1984-8
Production Note
Reason For Production: Exhibition
Reason For Production: Retail
Materials
Photograph
Techniques
Albumen process
Subjects depicted
Clothing; Table; Interior; South Kensington; Maude, Isabella Grace
Categories
Portraits; Photographs
Production Type
Unlimited edition
Collection code
PDP
