Here is a portrait of an unidentified sitter by Mrs. (yes, I said that right, MRS) Stuart. She is famous for not only being a very early American female photographer, but also an early pioneer of “spirit photography” and shared a studio space with William Mumler. She also produced and sold hair jewelry, which was often made for the purpose of remembering the deceased out of some of the deceased’s hair. This image is NOT a “spirit photo” but rather a simple legitimate portrait. It is beautifully executed, and the scan does not do justice to the original condition of the print – there is still a natural gloss to the albumen on the print as if it were new.