Untitled (Young Girl) 1876 - 1899

This photographic print called "Untitled (Young Girl)" was created by Alexander Hesler sometime in the mid-19th century. Hesler, a German-American photographer, was known for his portraiture in the burgeoning field of photography. The image captures a young woman in what appears to be a formal pose, dressed in the fashion of the time. The photograph offers us a glimpse into the visual culture of the 19th century, where portraiture became more accessible to the middle class through photography. Yet, we must remember the power dynamics inherent in such images. The young woman's identity is lost to us, and she becomes a representation of idealized femininity. Her posture, dress, and expression are all carefully curated, reflecting the social expectations of women in that era. Looking at this image, I wonder about the stories of countless women whose lives were both shaped and constrained by the conventions of their time.