Untitled [bust portrait of a woman with lace cap] c. 1844 - 1852

This daguerreotype by Jeremiah Gurney, dating from 1844-1852, features a bust portrait of an unidentified woman. The subject is depicted wearing a lace cap and a dark dress, her expression serious and contemplative. The image is encased in an ornate gold frame and velvet-lined case, typical of the era's portraiture practices. Daguerreotypes, known for their sharp detail and unique tonal qualities, were a popular form of portrait photography in the mid-19th century, offering a glimpse into the lives and fashion of the time.