Untitled [half-length view of a young girl seated in the 'Gurney chair'] 1852 - 1858

This is an untitled photograph, made by Jeremiah Gurney, that captures a young girl seated in a chair. The image is presented within an oval frame, enhancing the intimacy and focus on the sitter. Notice how Gurney uses light and shadow to sculpt the girl’s face, drawing our attention to her composed expression. The tight composition and the girl's placement within the 'Gurney chair'—as it was known—create a structured, almost geometric arrangement. This formal organization reflects the emerging photographic conventions of the time, aiming to capture not just likeness but also an ideal of composure. The choice of daguerreotype, with its sharp detail and limited tonal range, adds to the sense of austerity. The photograph engages with the semiotic language of early portraiture where the framing and the sitter’s pose work together. The image is not simply a record but a constructed representation, echoing broader societal values. The photograph serves as a fascinating study in form, representation, and the evolving visual culture.