Linda Dietz 1869 - 1874

Linda Dietz was captured in this stereoscopic photograph by Jeremiah Gurney in New York. The image is on a card, a common format at the time, enabling mass production and distribution. Photography's emergence in the 19th century revolutionized image-making. Before, portraits were costly, reserved for the elite. Photography democratized representation, making images accessible to a wider public. The ambrotype process, used here, involved creating a positive image on glass, backed with a dark material, yielding a unique tonal depth. Gurney was celebrated for his technical skill and artistry, using this relatively new medium to create a sense of presence in his portraits. The rise of photography studios coincided with industrialization, and the studio relied on a division of labor with specialized roles, reflecting new modes of production. Considering the image’s historical context, it is not just a picture but also a reflection of social change, technological advancement, and the evolving culture of the time.