Untitled [half-length portrait of a woman seated in the 'Gurney chair'] 1852 - 1858

This daguerreotype by Jeremiah Gurney, taken between 1852 and 1858, depicts a woman seated in a 'Gurney chair'. The chair, a design by the artist's brother, was meant to be a comfortable and stylish piece of furniture, and it was often used in Gurney's portraits. The woman in the image is dressed in a dark dress, and her hair is neatly styled. The daguerreotype is housed in a velvet-lined case, which was common for this type of photographic medium in the mid-19th century. The image's small size, typical of daguerreotypes, showcases the intricate detail captured by this early photographic technique. The daguerreotype highlights the artistic sensibilities of Jeremiah Gurney, who combined portraiture with the innovative design of his brother.