Who painted Portrait of a Woman?

Portrait of a Woman was painted by Crystal Palace Photographic Deparment in 1850.

Where can I see Portrait of a Woman?

Portrait of a Woman is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

Artwork

Portrait of a Woman

Crystal Palace Photographic Deparment , 1850

Portrait of a Woman is a photographic photography by Crystal Palace Photographic Deparment. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

The image is a black‑and‑white carte‑de‑visite showing a half‑length portrait of a woman whose identity is unknown. She is positioned centrally, facing the camera with a composed expression. The photograph exhibits the characteristic faded tones and slight grain of 19th‑century photographic processes, giving it a distinctly historic appearance.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter wears a high‑necked dress featuring a checked pattern across the bodice, with loose sleeves that frame her arms. Her hair is gathered back, and she holds a small, unidentified object—possibly a fan or a book—suggesting a moment of leisure or reading. The calm demeanor and modest attire reflect conventional portrait conventions of the period.

Technique & Style

Produced as a carte‑de‑visite, the photograph was likely created using the collodion or albumen printing methods common in the mid‑1800s. The image’s tonal range is limited to shades of gray, with soft contrast and a modest depth of field that emphasizes the subject while rendering the background indistinct. The slight grain and fading are typical of aged prints.

History & Provenance

The photograph’s format indicates it was part of a popular 19th‑century practice of exchanging small portrait cards among acquaintances. While the photographer and original owner remain unidentified, the work has been retained in a museum collection, where it serves as an example of everyday portraiture from the era.

Artist & collection

Artist

Crystal Palace Photographic Deparment

These photographers worked inside the Crystal Palace, that giant glass greenhouse in London that doubled as a photo studio in the 1850s.

Museum

Victoria and Albert Museum

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