Etta Revere 1869 - 1874

Jeremiah Gurney's albumen print shows a portrait of Etta Revere, an actress, captured in the United States in the late 19th century. This photograph isn't just a record; it's a carefully constructed image, hinting at the complex relationship between performers and their audience, and the burgeoning world of celebrity. Theatrical photography in the 19th century was a booming business. Studios like Gurney’s catered to a public eager to collect images of their favorite stars. But these photographs also served another purpose. They allowed performers to control their image, crafting a persona for public consumption. To truly understand this photograph, we need to delve into the social and cultural context of the 19th-century theatre. Archival records can offer valuable information about Revere's career, her roles, and how she was perceived by critics and audiences. This helps us reveal the intricate web of power, representation, and desire that shaped the world of performance.