Farnsworth, Emma J. (1860–1952)

views updated

Farnsworth, Emma J. (1860–1952)

American photographer, known for her allegorical and narrative studies. Born Emma Justine Farnsworth in Albany, New York, in 1860; died in Albany, New York, in 1952.

Trained as an artist, Emma Farnsworth turned to photography in 1890, after receiving a camera as a Christmas present. The following decade was her most active period, during which time she joined the Camera Club of New York. In 1892, fellow club member George M. Allen published a book of her figure studies accompanied by classical verse, entitled In Arcadia. Her characteristic bold figure studies, classically draped, were shown at the Chicago World's Columbian Exposition in 1893 and were part of Frances Benjamin Johnston 's exhibition of 1900–1901. Farnsworth was also one of seven women Johnston wrote about in "The Foremost Women Photographers of America," a series she did for Ladies' Home Journal (1901–02). Farnsworth won close to 30 medals in exhibitions abroad and was the subject of the Camera Club's second solo exhibition (1898).

Barbara Morgan , Melrose, Massachusetts

About this article

Farnsworth, Emma J. (1860–1952)

Updated About encyclopedia.com content Print Article