Untitled [portrait of an unidentified woman] 1858 - 1869

This portrait of an unidentified woman was made by Jeremiah Gurney using the albumen print process, a popular photographic technique in the 19th century. The process begins with coating paper with egg white and then exposing it to light through a negative. The tonal range and clarity seen here are a direct result of this meticulous process. Each print required careful handling and expertise, reflecting a distinct set of skills that elevated photography to an art form. In Gurney's studio, many hands would have been involved in the different stages of production, from preparing the chemicals, to posing the sitter, to developing and printing the final image. These portraits offered a relatively accessible way for individuals, often from the emerging middle class, to participate in visual culture and preserve their likeness. This speaks to the democratizing potential of photography, transforming it from a scientific novelty to a treasured keepsake. By understanding the labor and materials involved, we can appreciate these photographs as both intimate portraits and products of a rapidly changing world.