Artwork
Julia and Ethel Arnold
Julia and Ethel Arnold is a photography by the Impressionist artist Lewis Carroll. It dates from 1872 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
You can learn more about photography like this by looking at the work of artist: Lewis Carroll (British, 1832–1898).
You see two young girls, Julia and Ethel Arnold, in this photo.
They're sitting close together, looking straight at the camera. The photo is special because it shows the girls in a relaxed way, not like the formal portraits of the time.
The photographer, Lewis Carroll, was good at making his subjects feel comfortable. He took many photos of children, and they're known for being natural and informal.
You can learn more about photography like this by looking at the work of artist: Lewis Carroll (British, 1832–1898).
Overview
This photograph, taken by Lewis Carroll, depicts Julia and Ethel Arnold, two young girls seated together and gazing directly at the camera. The image is characterized by its relaxed and informal tone.
Subject & Meaning
The subjects of the photograph are Julia and Ethel Arnold, aged 10 and 6 respectively at the time of the image's creation. Ethel later recalled her experiences with Carroll as highlights of an otherwise melancholy childhood, and noted the challenge of remaining still during the exposure.
Technique & Style
Carroll's photography is notable for its natural and informal quality, diverging from the formal studio portraiture prevalent during the period. The image was captured in his rooftop studio at Christ Church College, Oxford, using a technique that required his subjects to remain still for 45 seconds.
History & Provenance
The photograph was taken on June 15, 1872, by Charles Dodgson, better known by his pseudonym Lewis Carroll, in his studio at Christ Church College, Oxford.
Artist & collection
