Dorma Leigh 2 - Public domain portrait print

Alexander Bassano was a renowned English photographer who was born in 1829 and died in 1913. He was best known for his portraits of notable people, including members of the British royal family, politicians and celebrities. Bassano was born in London and began his career as a photographer in the mid-19th century. He set up his own studio in 1850 and quickly gained a reputation for his high quality portraits. His studio became a popular destination for the upper classes and he was soon photographing members of the royal family, including Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. In addition to his portraits of the royal family, Bassano also photographed many other notable people of his time. He photographed politicians such as William Gladstone and Benjamin Disraeli, and celebrities such as Charles Dickens and Florence Nightingale. Bassano's work was highly regarded for its technical excellence and attention to detail. He was renowned for his use of natural light, which gave his portraits a soft and natural look. His portraits were also notable for their composition, with Bassano often using interesting poses and settings to create dynamic images. Today, Bassano's portraits are considered some of the most iconic images of the Victorian era. His work remains highly regarded by photographers and art historians alike, and his legacy continues to inspire generations of photographers.