30 November 2001
to 3 February 2002

National Gallery
of Victoria on Russell
285 Russell Street, Melbourne

The photographs: Idylls and Fancy Subjects

Cameron referred to the allegorical aspects of her practice as 'Idylls and Fancy Subjects', and drew inspiration for these images from the Bible as well as classical and contemporary literature and poetry. Cameron was especially influenced by the photographer David Wilkie Wynfield who posed his models in classical dress; and Pre-Raphaelite painters, including George Frederick Watts and John Everett Millais, and often adopted the iconography they used in their art.

In 1874, Tennyson invited Cameron to illustrate his epic poem Idylls of the King and Other Poems. Based on the popular tales of King Arthur and Camelot, the heightened emotions inherent in the story seemed purpose made for Cameron and she spent much time and effort in creating tableaux that captured the key moments of the legend. Disappointingly, the wood-engravings made after her photographs were not a great success and, at Tennyson's suggestion, Cameron decided to produce her own book containing tipped-in photographs with excerpts from his poems. Cameron considered this venture to be an important creative and financial opportunity and, after publication, she encouraged friends and contacts to review and promote it.

Introduction

The photographs

Famous Men and Fair Women

Idylls and Fancy Subjects

Madonnas and Angelic Children

The artist

Visiting the exhibition

Mariana, 1875
From Idylls of the King and Other Poems, volume II, plate VIII

The May Queen, 1875
From Idylls of the King and Other Poems, volume I, plate III

Vivien And Merlin, 1874
From Idylls of the King and Other Poems, volume I, plate VI

The Princess, 1875
From Idylls of the King and Other Poems, volume II, plate V

King Arthur, 1874
From Idylls of the King and Other Poems, volume I, plate XII

The parting of Sir Lancelot and Queen Guinevere, 1874
From Idylls of the King and Other Poems, volume I, plate X

Queen Guinevere and the Little Novice, 1874
From Idylls of the King and Other Poems, volume I, plate XI

Sir Galahead and the Pale Nun, 1874
From Idylls of the King and Other Poems, volume I, plate IX

Margaret at the altar of the Virgin, c. 1870

Hypatia, 1867

The minstrel group, study number three, 1867

Paul and Virginia, 1864

Tell me not Sweet I am Unkind, c. 1868

Friar Laurence and Juliet, 1864

The Whisper of the Muse, 1865