Untitled [full length portrait of two children] 1852 - 1858

This full-length portrait of two children was made by Jeremiah Gurney, one of America’s premier photographers, using the daguerreotype process. This technique, popular in the mid-19th century, involved coating a silvered copper plate with light-sensitive chemicals. After a long exposure in the camera, the image was developed with mercury vapor, fixed, and then sealed under glass to prevent tarnishing. The daguerreotype’s creation was as much chemistry as artistry. The mirrored surface of the metal plate renders incredible detail and a distinctive tonal range. The final image depended on meticulous preparation and precise timing, reflecting the era’s growing fascination with science and industry. The daguerreotype’s popularity was fueled by the burgeoning middle class, who desired affordable portraiture. This work speaks to a shift in social values, where image-making became more accessible. In short, the daguerreotype democratized portraiture. It transformed how people saw themselves and their place in the world.