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History of Science Museum

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

Inventory Number 25880


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
'784'.
Physical material
Paper
Dimensions
Height: 118mm Width: 94mm
Inventory No
25880
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. Narrow border. xxx

Subject: engraving 28374, lady with guitar

Technique: direct positive contact copy

Format: vertical

Polarity: positive

Orientation: laterally reversed

Quality: xxx, light highlights

Colour: slightly greenish blue, highlights and border slightly yellowy-blue, plain back

Chemistry: cyanotype

Coating: none

Inscription: number

Paper: xxx

Condition: good, small nick from edge (compare 58467)

Purpose: a cyanotype experiment.

For fuller descriptive and historical commentary see narratives.