Portrait of spirit mediums Kate and Maggie Fox
Spiritualism, the idea that communication with the dead was possible through mediation, was a popular movement in the 19th century. The Fox sisters of Rochester, New York, were said to converse with the other side through “rappings,” knocking sounds that when appropriately interpreted spelled out words and phrases. In 1852 they came to St. Louis during their national tour and visited Easterly’s studio. He inscribed the words “Kate and Maggie Fox, Rochester Mediums, T. M. Easterly Daguerrean” along the bottom edge of this daguerreotype, portions of which are colored with pink pigment.
Object Title and Accession Number
Portrait of Kate and Maggie Fox, spirit mediums from Rochester, New York. Daguerreotype by Thomas M. Easterly, 1852. N17196.
A vintage photograph of two women from the 19th century. They are seated close to each other, wearing elegant dresses typical of the era, featuring intricate designs and patterns. Both have hairstyles parted in the middle, looking directly at the camera.