Georgina, morte à 20 ans (Georgina, dead at age 20) c. 1852

Hippolyte Bayard captured "Georgina, dead at age 20" using photography, a relatively new medium in the 19th century. The image presents a young woman, seemingly at the cusp of adulthood, yet the title reveals a tragic end. Georgina's poised stance and the book in her hand speak to her education and social standing, but the photograph also evokes questions about the lives of young women during this period, the pressures of social expectations, and the limited opportunities available to them. The pallid tones and somber composition of the photograph create a sense of melancholy. The title confronts us with mortality. Georgina's story invites reflection on the historical context of women's lives, their struggles, and their roles in a rapidly changing society, while it also serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the individual stories often lost to history.