Untitled [half-length view of a seated woman] 1852 - 1858

This portrait of a seated woman is a daguerreotype, made by Jeremiah Gurney. The image is formed on a silvered copper plate, polished to a mirror finish. The plate was sensitized to light with iodine fumes, exposed in a camera, and then developed with mercury vapor. This process is incredibly painstaking. The resulting image, with its silvery surface, captures incredible detail. Look closely and you can even see the texture of the woman's dress and lace collar. The daguerreotype was an early form of photography, and it was incredibly popular in the mid-19th century. It democratized image-making, putting portraiture within reach of the middle class. Each daguerreotype is unique. It's an object made with skill and care, reflecting both the sitter's status and the labor involved in its creation. Thinking about the materials and processes used in this portrait helps us understand its cultural significance, bridging the gap between craft, technology, and social history.