Julia Margaret Cameron (1815 - 1879)

Albumen print, mounted on card. Framed.

By descent within the Cameron family

Cox, Julian & Colin Ford, Julia Margaret Cameron The Complete Photographs, Thames & Hudson, London, 2003, crop of Cat. 1099.

The edges of the print with remnant paper from a previous mounting. In some areas the apparent attemped removal of this at one point has resulted in losses to the piece of photographic paper. This not visible when the photograph is framed. Print tones strong with the highlights somewhat yellowed. The reverse of the mount with annotations in pencil in an unknown hand, and remnant pieces of newpaper print.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Mary Ryan, the daughter of a Limerick family, was discovered in reduced circumstances by Julia Margaret Cameron in Putney in London. Cameron employed her as a maid in London and Freshwater and later adopted her as a daughter. It was while working for the photographer at her first London exhibition that Ryan was spotted by Henry Cotton, whom she later married.

The image offered here appears to be a cropped print of 'The Minstrel Group' (Mary Ryan, Kate Keown and Elizabeth Keown - Cat. 1099 in Cox & Ford).