ThoughtGallery.org > ‘The Photography Pioneers of New York’s Gilded Age’ Webinar

‘The Photography Pioneers of New York’s Gilded Age’ Webinar

In a world where we can take out a pocket-sized camera and snap as many selfies as our ego desires, it’s hard to imagine a time when only a handful of people knew how to operate one, not to mention afford to pay for a single snapshot. But only a little over a century ago, capturing a moment in time on to a piece of paper was an incredible feat, one that not many could perform or afford. It’s time to explore the earliest photographs of New York society, and pioneers on both sides of the camera.

Join New York Adventure Club for a digital showcase of the photos, photographers, and subjects that encapsulated New York’s Gilded Age, from scenes of elite society’s social functions inside their extravagant mansions to staged family portraits inside photography studios.

Led by Sylvia Laudien-Meo — art historian, museum educator, and NYC tour guide — this virtual journey through photography’s early days will include:

  • A look at early camera technology, and why taking a photo required a lot of time, patience, and money
  • The preeminent NYC photographers and studios of the Gilded Age, including the Byron Co., Matthew Brady, and Jose Maria Mora
  • Photos of NYC’s Gilded Age elite taken in both photography studios and their homes
  • The first “snapshots” of everyday life in NYC by amateur photographers out in the streets
  • Newspaper illustrations based on photographs, which depicted the city’s social life

Afterward, we’ll have a Q&A with Sylvia — any and all questions about Gilded Age photographers are welcomed and encouraged!

Can’t make it live? Don’t worry, you’ll have access to the full replay for one week!

See you there, virtually! $10.

*Immediately upon registering, you will receive a separate, automated email containing the link to join this webinar

**For the best possible viewing experience, please ensure you’re using the latest version of your internet browser — Google Chrome is the most compatible. Exact technical requirements and a webinar user guide will be shared in the automated confirmation email upon registration.

***A full replay of the experience will be available to all registered guests for up to a week

About Sylvia

Sylvia Laudien-Meo is a freelance Art Historian who works in and around the city in various capacities, specializing on Modern and Contemporary art, with a strong focus on Public Art. She teaches art history at Fairleigh Dickinson University and has been working as a museum educator at MoMA, the Guggenheim and the Jewish Museum for over many years, engaging visitors in conversation based, interactive art experiences of permanent collections and changing exhibitions.

For the Municipal Art Society, UFT, Brandeis Univ., and private clients, she has been touring the city for over 20 years, exploring art and architecture, parks, neighborhoods and history. Working in various different capacities gives her a unique opportunity to make intriguing connections and weave together the complex perspectives that make out the tapestry of our fascinating city.

SLM holds a Masters Degree in Art History (with minors in History and American Studies) from the Joh. Gutenberg University in Mainz, Germany, as well as a Tourism degree from the EST in Paris France.











When: Thu., Nov. 12, 2020 at 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm

In a world where we can take out a pocket-sized camera and snap as many selfies as our ego desires, it’s hard to imagine a time when only a handful of people knew how to operate one, not to mention afford to pay for a single snapshot. But only a little over a century ago, capturing a moment in time on to a piece of paper was an incredible feat, one that not many could perform or afford. It’s time to explore the earliest photographs of New York society, and pioneers on both sides of the camera.

Join New York Adventure Club for a digital showcase of the photos, photographers, and subjects that encapsulated New York’s Gilded Age, from scenes of elite society’s social functions inside their extravagant mansions to staged family portraits inside photography studios.

Led by Sylvia Laudien-Meo — art historian, museum educator, and NYC tour guide — this virtual journey through photography’s early days will include:

  • A look at early camera technology, and why taking a photo required a lot of time, patience, and money
  • The preeminent NYC photographers and studios of the Gilded Age, including the Byron Co., Matthew Brady, and Jose Maria Mora
  • Photos of NYC’s Gilded Age elite taken in both photography studios and their homes
  • The first “snapshots” of everyday life in NYC by amateur photographers out in the streets
  • Newspaper illustrations based on photographs, which depicted the city’s social life

Afterward, we’ll have a Q&A with Sylvia — any and all questions about Gilded Age photographers are welcomed and encouraged!

Can’t make it live? Don’t worry, you’ll have access to the full replay for one week!

See you there, virtually! $10.

*Immediately upon registering, you will receive a separate, automated email containing the link to join this webinar

**For the best possible viewing experience, please ensure you’re using the latest version of your internet browser — Google Chrome is the most compatible. Exact technical requirements and a webinar user guide will be shared in the automated confirmation email upon registration.

***A full replay of the experience will be available to all registered guests for up to a week

About Sylvia

Sylvia Laudien-Meo is a freelance Art Historian who works in and around the city in various capacities, specializing on Modern and Contemporary art, with a strong focus on Public Art. She teaches art history at Fairleigh Dickinson University and has been working as a museum educator at MoMA, the Guggenheim and the Jewish Museum for over many years, engaging visitors in conversation based, interactive art experiences of permanent collections and changing exhibitions.

For the Municipal Art Society, UFT, Brandeis Univ., and private clients, she has been touring the city for over 20 years, exploring art and architecture, parks, neighborhoods and history. Working in various different capacities gives her a unique opportunity to make intriguing connections and weave together the complex perspectives that make out the tapestry of our fascinating city.

SLM holds a Masters Degree in Art History (with minors in History and American Studies) from the Joh. Gutenberg University in Mainz, Germany, as well as a Tourism degree from the EST in Paris France.

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