Untitled [portrait of an unidentified woman] 1858 - 1869

This is an ambrotype, a photograph made on glass, by Jeremiah Gurney, a prominent New York photographer during the mid-19th century. Consider the power dynamics inherent in portraiture of this era. The woman’s identity is now lost, yet she presented herself to Gurney, likely paying for the privilege. During a time when photography was becoming more accessible, it also became a tool for documenting and reinforcing social hierarchies. While the subject’s dress signifies a degree of wealth, we can also see the rigid constraints placed upon women’s bodies, literally and figuratively. This image raises questions about representation, agency, and memory. Does the photo reveal something about the woman’s inner self, or does it merely reflect the ideals and expectations of her time? How can we, as contemporary viewers, engage with this image in a way that respects the subject’s humanity while also acknowledging the historical context in which it was created?