Untitled [portrait of an unidentified woman with exceedingly long hair] 1858 - 1869

This portrait of an unknown woman with remarkably long hair was made by Jeremiah Gurney, a prominent New York photographer. Gurney's studio was at the forefront of photography, a relatively new and rapidly evolving technology at the time. The ambrotype process he used involved creating a positive image on glass, which was then backed with a dark material to make the image visible. This technique allowed for relatively quick and inexpensive portraiture, making it accessible to a wider segment of the population. The focus here is on the sitter's hair, which cascades down her body like a shimmering textile. This elaborate hairstyle speaks to the social conventions of the time, where long hair was a symbol of femininity and status. Consider the labor involved in maintaining hair like this. It speaks volumes about the sitter's social class. By understanding the material processes and social context of this photograph, we can appreciate its significance beyond just a representation of an individual. It offers a glimpse into the values and aspirations of a bygone era, challenging our notions of beauty, labor, and social status.