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History of Science Museum

Photograph (Experimental Photogenic Drawing, Cyanotype), by Sir John Herschel, April 24, 1842

Inventory Number 28533


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
'697' and '697 Apl 24/42' [in Herschel's hand]. Also on front: '696.3'.
Physical material
Paper
Dimensions
Height: 110mm Width: 90mm
Inventory No
28533
Accession Number
1928-71

Description

Experimental photogenic drawing (cyanotype) by Sir John Herschel, April 24, 1842, made in the course of the experiments in which he invented the cyanotype.

Subject: engraving, two ladies

Technique: contact copy

Format: vertical

Polarity: negative

Orientation: laterally reversed

Quality: mostly faint, uneven intensity, faded to very pale green at right and top right

Colour: pale blue, darker border, pale green in faded parts

Chemistry: cyanotype

Coating: none

Inscription: numbers, date

Paper: normal

Condition: good

Purpose: a cyanotype experiment.

For fuller descriptive and historical commentary see narratives.