Ida Harely 1869 - 1874

This is a stereograph, "Ida Harley," made by Jeremiah Gurney, probably in the 1870s. The stereograph, a photographic format popular in the 19th century, creates a 3D effect when viewed through a special viewer. Gurney's studio on Broadway was a prominent location for portraiture and these stereographs were popular in parlors. The process involved coating a glass plate with light-sensitive chemicals, exposing it in a camera, and then developing the image. The card is machine printed with the studio's details, contrasting with the unique, hand-crafted nature of the photographic process itself. The stereograph speaks to broader social issues of labor, politics, and consumption. The rise of photography democratized portraiture, making it accessible to a wider range of people. The mass production of these images fueled a culture of collecting and display, reflecting changing attitudes toward labor and leisure. Ultimately, this stereograph reminds us that art and craft are deeply intertwined with the social and economic forces that shape our world.