Benjamin Mulock

Benjamin Mulock was a photographer active during the critical early years of the medium, with his documented artistic period spanning 1840 to 1850. Mulock’s known output is centered primarily on portraiture and situational studies, suggesting an interest in capturing individuals in domestic or garden settings during this nascent era of photography.

Fifteen photographic works attributed to Mulock are currently represented in institutional collections, confirming the artist's historical engagement with the medium. Key examples of his work are preserved by the Art Institute of Chicago, which holds several of these early high-quality prints.

Mulock’s practice repeatedly focused on a specific subject, "Mrs. Craik." Notable works in museum holdings include the photographic study Drawing of Mrs. Craik, along with studies detailing her in outdoor environments, such as Mrs. Craik Leaning Against Wall and Bushes and Mrs. Craik Reclining in Garden with Hat and Book. The preservation of these Benjamin Mulock prints allows for continued study of early photographic techniques. Given the age of these images, many are now considered part of the public domain, offering widely accessible downloadable artwork for researchers and historians.