Oscar Rejlander - Study for “Two Ways of Life” (c.1857) – A Defiant Gaze into the Mirror of Morality Print

In this rare and provocative study for Two Ways of Life (c.1857), Oscar Gustav Rejlander—one of photography’s earliest visionaries—offers more than a technical marvel. He captures a woman not as a muse or object but as a decision-maker at the crossroads of virtue and desire. Long cast in allegory by the male gaze, her unclothed form here becomes a symbol of agency—stripped not of dignity but of constraint. Rejlander’s pioneering work blurred the lines between art and ethics, and in this image, the female subject still challenges us: Who defines the “right” path, and why? It is a high-quality piece of photographic history that speaks powerfully to the timeless tension between societal judgment and self-possession.

Sized at 8×10", this print is ideal for framing and makes a striking addition to any home, office, or gallery wall.

Printed on heavy 60lb matte photo paper with a soft white finish, this piece offers exceptional detail and ink vibrancy. The acid-free surface ensures longevity, while the 10 mil thickness gives it a luxurious feel worthy of fine art. This is not a print-on-demand product — each print is produced and shipped directly from our studio to ensure the highest quality and care.