Schotta 1869 - 1874

This is Jeremiah Gurney’s portrait, Schotta. Though undated, it was likely made in the mid-19th century using the albumen print process. During this era, photography was rapidly evolving, both as a means of documentation and artistic expression. Here, we see a young woman in a theatrical costume, leaning pensively against a rustic fence. Her attire, consisting of short breeches and high stockings, challenges conventional representations of women during the Victorian era. The sitter’s ambiguous gaze and non-traditional clothing suggest a character that is self-assured and independent. Her expression invites us to consider her story, hinting at a narrative beyond the confines of societal expectations. Gurney's work captures a sense of performance. Is this simply a play, or does it hint at the broader role of identity as a sort of ongoing masquerade?