A.F.Lorens - Horse-Guards Street in St. Petersburg, 1870s

Alfred Lorens was known for his use of natural light and his ability to capture the personality of his subjects. He photographed members of the Russian aristocracy as well as artists, writers and musicians. His portraits were often praised for their sensitivity and emotional depth. In addition to his portrait work, Lorens also photographed landscapes and cityscapes. He was particularly interested in the architecture of St Petersburg and captured many of the city's iconic buildings in his photographs. Lorens continued to work as a photographer until his death in 1896. Today, his photographs are held in collections around the world, including the State Hermitage Museum in St Petersburg and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.