Marie Aimee (1852-1887) 1869 - 1874

Jeremiah Gurney created this stereograph of Marie Aimee sometime between 1852 and 1887. In the mid-19th century, the rise of photography democratized portraiture, offering a new means of representation beyond painting, yet portraiture remained largely centered on the white middle class. Gurney's portrait of Marie Aimee invites us to consider the gaze and representation of women during this period. The image presents Aimee in a delicate balance: her elaborate hairstyle and jewelry suggest a certain status, yet the soft focus and averted gaze lend an air of vulnerability. Stereographs like this one were often viewed in domestic settings. What does it mean to have a woman's image so readily available for consumption? Does it perpetuate a passive role for women, or does it offer a form of agency through visibility? As we view this portrait, let us reflect on the complexities of representation and the silent narratives that historical images can hold.