The artwork titled “Alice Murdoch” was created by the artist known as Lewis Carroll in the year 1856. It is a photographic work that has been associated with the Pictorialism movement, a style of photography that emphasizes beauty of subject matter, tonality, and composition rather than the documentation of reality.
The artwork depicts a young girl seated and slightly turned to one side, giving the observer a profile view. She is dressed in what appears to be a Victorian-style frock adorned with ruffles and patterns, which was typical attire for a girl of her status during the mid-19th century. Her hair is neatly parted and styled, framing her contemplative face. The oval vignette format focuses the viewer’s attention on the subject, and her serene expression evokes a sense of quietude.
The photograph is mounted on a page, with the name “Alice Murdoch” inscribed below, suggesting that this is the identity of the girl portrayed. The page itself shows signs of aging, with discolorations and spots that attest to the historical nature of the document. The artwork serves not only as a piece of art but also as a personal historical record.
