Part of the 'Luminaries, Women of the Goldfields' series

To be married often provided safety and security to a woman in the 19th century. I say often, because much like today, it depends on the sort of man you're married to. As Jane Austen wrote, "Happiness in marriage is entirely a matter of chance."
This artwork is inspired by a story told in Ellen Clacy's book, ‘A Lady's Visit to the Gold Diggings of Australia in 1852–1853.’
Ellen wouldn't reveal the woman in the story's name, so we will call her Jane.
Jane sailed from Liverpool with her brother to the goldfields. She met a man on the voyage and fell in love with a promise of marriage. Apparently, love and and the ardent urgings of her fiance caused Jane to 'forget herself' and share a bed before the wedding day. The wedding day came, and Jane was the happiest woman alive. Until her lover failed to show. Left at the alter, and later discovering her pregnancy turned Jane's fortunes greatly. In the 19th century, being an unwed mother was a social catastrophe. Her babe was born and brought some joy back into Jane's life. Briefly. Days passed and the baby grew weaker and died in her arms. Jane, overcome with grief and blood loss from the birth, wandered with her baby for miles. Was she looking for her (douchebag) lover? She was found in the shallows of the river some days later, still clutching her baby to her chest. Jane is a symbol of a grieving mother, but also for all of us who have ever felt used and discarded. May we live the full and rich life she wasn't able to.

Photographed on Dja Dja Wurrung lands and at Gariwerd (the Grampians)

FINE ART PHOTOGRAPH, 310gsm COTTON RAG
ARCHIVAL PRINTING AND FRAMING