Untitled c. mid 19th century

This stereograph card shows a floral arrangement in the shape of a cross and was made by S. D. Quint, a photographer based in Manchester, New Hampshire, in the 19th century. Stereographs like this one were very popular in the Victorian era, offering a three-dimensional viewing experience that was a form of mass media entertainment. This particular image presents a fascinating intersection of religious symbolism and popular culture. The cross, made entirely of flowers, sits against a plain backdrop. The choice of a cross made of flowers suggests themes of mourning and remembrance, common in Victorian culture due to high mortality rates. The image also speaks to the democratizing effect of photography. The rise of photography provided a means for ordinary people to possess images and to participate in visual culture in a new way. To better understand this image, we might explore local historical archives, church records, and photography collections, providing us with a more detailed understanding of the social and religious practices of Manchester, New Hampshire, during this time.