Paekson 1869 - 1874

Jeremiah Gurney made this stereoscopic photograph called ‘Paekson’ sometime in the 19th century. Notice how the sepia tone permeates every detail, creating a warm, nostalgic atmosphere. The composition, with its dual images, invites us to consider symmetry and perspective. The subject, a young woman in bridal attire, is captured in soft focus. This enhances the textures of her veil and dress, drawing attention to their materiality. The stereoscopic format adds a sense of depth, as though the viewer could almost reach out and touch her. What could this suggest? This technique played with the Victorian fascination with capturing and preserving moments in time. The doubled image serves not merely as a record but as a constructed representation, challenging notions of photographic truth. The subtle variations between the two images encourage us to question what is seen, and how it is perceived. In the end, the photograph's aesthetic and historical context reveal a complex interplay of technology, artistry, and cultural values.