During the nineteenth century, photography was not widely considered fine art or a suitable means for creative expression. It's role was largely defined in terms of scientific documentation, commercial portraits and representations of landscape, particularly for remote and geographically unique locations. Freeing herself from these conventions, JMC forged a unique approach to photographic portraiture. She sought visual poetry through experimentation and her intuitive awareness of psychology, extending on occassions to a heroic or somewhat romantic characterisation of her sitters. This frontal portrait of her niece is compositionally elegant, framed by cascading hair and illuminated to cast the right side of the face in shadow. It emphasises the distinctive shape of Julia Jackson's eyes, nose and mouth. The image becomes a tangible representation of their relationship and the social milieu where a young woman's confidence and intelligence is fully expressed. This is an original Albumen silver print dated and inscribed accordingly. It measures 25 x 18.5 cm and is estimated to bid between (AU) $30,000 to $50,000.