Untitled [vignette bust portrait of a woman] 1858 - 1869

This is an early photographic portrait of a woman, made by Jeremiah Gurney. Notice how the woman’s dark hair is smoothed and centrally parted, framing her face with a disciplined elegance. The central part, so prominent here, echoes through history, appearing in classical sculptures, Renaissance paintings, and even modern-day fashion. It’s a visual anchor that speaks of order and composure. Yet, it also brings to mind a certain severity, a controlled expression of self. This very hairstyle, seen on funerary portraits, conveys a sober restraint, as if the sitter is aware of the gaze upon her, both present and future. The act of portraiture itself is a dance between revelation and concealment, a struggle to capture the inner self through outward appearances. The central parting, seemingly simple, becomes a powerful marker of identity. It invites us to reflect on how we, too, present ourselves to the world, and how much of our true selves remains hidden beneath the surface.