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History of Science Museum

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

Inventory Number 97756


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).
Physical material
Paper
Dimensions
Height: 119mm Width: 94mm
Inventory No
97756
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 59552, lady with turban

Technique: contact copy (print) from a negative???

Format: vertical

Polarity: positive

Orientation: looks to right???

Quality: xxx, uneven intensity

Colour: pale blue, dark darks and pale blue highlights and border, brown stains (?ink) on back

Chemistry: cyanotype

Coating: none

Inscription: none

Paper: normal

Condition: good

Purpose: a cyanotype experiment.

For fuller descriptive and historical commentary see narratives.