Fanny Dearden 1869 - 1874

This is a stereograph of Fanny Dearden, made by Jeremiah Gurney, a prominent New York photographer. The image captures Dearden in a moment of quiet introspection. Stereographs like this were a popular form of entertainment and portraiture in the 19th century. As photography became more accessible, images of individuals, both famous and everyday, circulated widely, shaping public perceptions and personal identities. The elaborate hairstyle and delicate jewelry worn by Dearden indicate a certain social standing, but also speak to the constructed nature of identity in photographic portraiture. Consider the gaze of the sitter. In this period, women were often presented as passive subjects, but here, Dearden's direct, yet gentle, look challenges this notion, inviting viewers to contemplate the complexities of female representation and subjectivity in the Victorian era. Ultimately, the photograph becomes a poignant reflection on the interplay between identity, representation, and personal expression in the visual culture of the 19th century.