Maud Branscombe

A carte-de-visite portrait of the British actress Maud Branscombe (fl. 1870s – 1890s), seen here dressed as a nun and showing off her greatest assets, two eyes that the Pall Mall Gazette described as 'homes of silent prayer.'

As many contemporary commentators pointed out, Maud Branscombe was not the greatest actress ever to tread the boards. She was, however, considered one of the great beauties of her day and photographers on both sides of the Atlantic clamoured to take her portrait.

Photographed by Napoleon Sarony of New York.