Mozer 1869 - 1874

This photograph of a woman named Mozer was created by Jeremiah Gurney, a prominent New York photographer. The image offers a glimpse into the world of performance and the complex dynamics of representation in the 19th century. We see a performer posed in costume; the image is deliberately staged, reflecting the conventions of studio portraiture at the time. The subject's gaze and carefully arranged attire invite us to consider the performance of identity, and how gender and class intersect with this presentation. While on one hand, it could perpetuate the objectification of women, it could also be argued that Mozer is actively participating in the creation of her own image, asserting a degree of agency within the confines of the male gaze. The photograph prompts us to reflect on the power dynamics inherent in the act of portraiture, and the ways in which individuals navigate and negotiate their own self-representation. It also serves as a reminder of the diverse range of human experiences and identities that existed within the historical context of the 19th century.