ROGER FENTON (1819-69)
A Zouave
1855RCIN 2500562
The title of this work gives no indication that this is a self-portrait. Fenton has dressed himself in the uniform of a Zouave, a type of Algerian soldier who fought with the French army during the Crimean War. The Zouaves were admired both for their bravery and for their colourful dress. In 1855, when this photograph was exhibited for the first time, Fenton was Britain’s leading photographer but only a handful of fellow artists would have known that this was Fenton and not a Zouave soldier from the war.
From the collection of the Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII
From the collection of the Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII