Untitled [stereoscopic case containing two portraits] 1852 - 1858

This stereoscopic case with two portraits was made by Jeremiah Gurney. At first glance, the matching oval frames catch the eye, their gilded surfaces emphasizing the symmetry inherent in this stereoscopic presentation. The portraits themselves, rendered in stark blacks and whites, present two young men whose gazes hold a mixture of formality and youthful curiosity. The stereoscopic format invites us to consider duality and depth. Each image captures a slightly different perspective, and when viewed together, they create an illusion of three-dimensionality. This technique, popular in the 19th century, reflects a broader cultural interest in exploring new modes of perception and representation. Ultimately, the work serves not only as a record of likeness, but also as a meditation on the interplay between technology, perception, and the construction of reality. The very act of viewing this stereoscopic image becomes an active engagement with questions of space, representation, and the elusive nature of truth.