Untitled 1858 - 1869

This untitled photograph was taken by Jeremiah Gurney, and it is currently held at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. The photograph captures a woman in a tightly framed composition, with the focus sharply on her face and upper body. The restricted tonal range, predominantly in shades of grey, contributes to a mood of introspection and seriousness. The subject’s gaze, directed slightly off-center, creates a sense of detachment. The texture of the paper and the subtle gradations of light and shadow accentuate the delicate details of her clothing and facial features. In this photographic portrait, Gurney uses the formal constraints of the medium to explore notions of identity and representation. The careful arrangement of light and shadow, combined with the sitter's reserved expression, invites us to consider the complex interplay between surface appearance and inner life. The photograph, through its formal qualities, becomes an object of contemplation, opening a space for ongoing interpretation.