Untitled [portrait of an unidentified woman] 1869 - 1874

This carte de visite, a popular photographic format in the 19th century, is a portrait of an unidentified woman by Jeremiah Gurney. The image captures a young woman with her hair styled in a fashionable updo, wearing a delicate lace collar and earrings, and a brooch visible on her chest. The studio signature "Gurney & Son, Fifth Ave. N.Y." at the bottom of the photograph reveals the photographer and location of the studio where the image was taken. The small size and intimate composition are characteristic of carte de visite portraits, which were often collected and exchanged as mementos. This work exemplifies the artistry of early photography and the enduring appeal of portraiture as a form of self-expression.