In addition to a distinguished career in civil service, Henry Taylor (1800–1886) was a widely recognized poet and playwright, and Cameron was an admirer of his work. He was among her most frequent photographic models, submitting to her direction, she said, “regardless of the possible dread that sitting to my fancy might be making a fool of himself.” He posed not only for straightforward portraits such as this one, but also consented to play the roles of Friar Laurence with Juliet, Prospero with Miranda, and Ahashuerus with Queen Esther (holding Cameron’s fireplace poker as his scepter), appearing in 32 photographs all told.