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Sir John Herschel

Julia Margaret Cameron British, born India
April 1867
Not on view
No commercial portrait photographer of the period would have portrayed Herschel as Cameron did here, devoid of classical columns, weighty tomes, scientific attributes, and academic poses—the standard vehicles for conveying the high stature and classical learning that one’s sitter possessed (or pretended to possess). To Cameron, Herschel was more than a renowned scientist; he was “as a Teacher and High Priest,” an “illustrious and revered as well as beloved friend” whom she had known for thirty years. Naturally, her image of him would not be a stiff, formal effigy. Instead, she had him wash and tousle his hair to catch the light, draped him in black, brought her camera close to his face, and photographed him emerging from the darkness like a vision of an Old Testament prophet.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Sir John Herschel
  • Artist: Julia Margaret Cameron (British (born India), Calcutta 1815–1879 Kalutara, Ceylon)
  • Date: April 1867
  • Medium: Albumen silver print from glass negative
  • Dimensions: 35.9 x 27.9 cm (14 1/8 x 11 in.)
  • Classification: Photographs
  • Credit Line: The Rubel Collection, Gift of William Rubel, 2013
  • Object Number: 2013.1116
  • Curatorial Department: Photographs

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Alfred, Lord Tennyson, Julia Margaret Cameron British, born India, Albumen silver print from glass negative
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Queen Guinevere, Julia Margaret Cameron British, born India, Albumen silver print from glass negative
Queen Guinevere
Julia Margaret Cameron
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The Passing of King Arthur, Julia Margaret Cameron British, born India, Albumen silver print from glass negative
The Passing of King Arthur
Julia Margaret Cameron
1874
King Arthur, Julia Margaret Cameron British, born India, Albumen silver print from glass negative
King Arthur
Julia Margaret Cameron
September 1874
Gareth and Lynette, Julia Margaret Cameron British, born India, Albumen silver print from glass negative
Gareth and Lynette
Julia Margaret Cameron
1874

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