Untitled (Portrait of One Standing Woman and One Seated Woman) c. 1860s

This untitled portrait of two women is currently at the Art Institute of Chicago and was produced using the tintype process. The composition of the photograph centers on two figures, one standing and the other seated, each adorned in elaborate dresses with hats. The subdued sepia tones and shallow depth of field contribute to a sense of intimacy, drawing us into their world. The standing woman places her hand on the seated woman's shoulder. This act of physical contact creates a powerful connection between the two women. This composition challenges conventional portraiture by subverting traditional power dynamics and creating an environment of nuanced meaning. This visual representation can be interpreted through a semiotic lens, where clothing, gestures, and poses act as signs reflecting cultural codes and individual identities. As we look at this work, we can appreciate how the formal elements interact to produce not just an aesthetic experience, but also a cultural discourse on identity, representation, and social dynamics.