Julia Margaret Cameron - Vivian and Merlin / Julia Margaret Cameron.

Photo shows woman touching beard of man with long white hair.
Illustration for Tennyson's "Idylls of the King."
Title written in ink on mount.
Signed on mount: From life, registered photograph copyright, Julia Margaret Cameron.

Julia Margaret Cameron (11 June 1815 – 26 January 1879) began her photography career later in life, at the age of 48, and is known for her portraits of prominent figures of the time. Cameron's photographs have a soft-focus and romantic style, and she often used unconventional poses and compositions. She was also one of the first photographers to use close-up compositions and to photograph women as serious subjects. Cameron was a member of the Pre-Raphaelite circle of artists and intellectuals and was influenced by the work of the Italian Renaissance.