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History of Science Museum

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

Inventory Number 28492


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
'724 + 716 mixed' [in Herschel's hand].
Physical material
Paper
Dimensions
Height: 132mm Width: 104mm
Inventory No
28492
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 outdoors holding book on her knee

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

Format: vertical

Polarity: positive

Orientation: correct???

Quality: good detail, too dark in places???

Colour: dark blue with very dark darks and pale blue lights, uneven pale blue to natural border, rusty stain, plain back with slight blue stains

Chemistry: cyanotype, Herschel's numbers indicate two sensitising mixtures mixed, 716 being ammonio-tartrate of iron (see 48235)

Coating: none

Inscription: numbers

Paper: normal

Condition: good

Purpose: a cyanotype experiment.

For fuller descriptive and historical commentary see narratives.