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History of Science Museum

Photograph (Experimental Photogenic Drawing, Cyanotype), by Sir John Herschel, c.1842

Inventory Number 27333


Item type
Object
Provenance
Presented by Miss Herschel and Lady Lubbock in 1928. They were the two surviving and youngest children of Sir John Herschel (Francisca and Constance).
Primary inscriptions
'793' twice.
Physical material
Paper
Dimensions
Height: 124mm Width: 99mm
Inventory No
27333
Accession Number
1928-71

Description

Experimental photogenic drawing (cyanotype) by Sir John Herschel, undated, c.1842, made in the course of the experiments in which he invented the cyanotype.

Subject: engraving, lady with harp

Technique: contact copy

Format: vertical

Polarity: negative

Orientation: laterally reversed (harp left???

Quality: clean highlights, good detail except in too dark parts

Colour: strong blue with very dark darks and clean white highlights, same dark border

Chemistry: cyanotype

Coating: none

Inscription: number

Paper: thin

Condition: good

Purpose: a cyanotype experiment.

For fuller descriptive and historical commentary see narratives.