1.6 Albumen print
7 min read•august 21, 2024
Albumen printing revolutionized 19th-century photography, offering improved image quality and mass production capabilities. Introduced by in 1850, this technique used egg whites as a binder, creating sharper, more detailed images with a wider tonal range.
The process involved coating paper with an albumen mixture, sensitizing it with , and exposing it to create prints. Albumen prints had unique visual qualities, including a glossy surface and warm tones, that shaped the aesthetic of early photography and influenced artistic choices for decades.
Origins of albumen printing
- Albumen printing emerged as a revolutionary photographic process in the mid-, transforming the field of photography
- This technique marked a significant shift from earlier methods, offering improved image quality and reproducibility
- Albumen prints played a crucial role in democratizing photography and making images more accessible to the general public
Development by Blanquart-Evrard
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[Croisement d'allées, dans la fôret] (Getty Museum) View original
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[Croisement d'allées, dans la fôret] (Getty Museum) View original
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[Croisement d'allées, dans la fôret] (Getty Museum) View original
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- Louis Désiré Blanquart-Evrard introduced the process in 1850
- Improved upon earlier salt print techniques by using egg whites as a binder
- Created sharper, more detailed images with a wider tonal range
- Patented the process, but allowed free use to promote widespread adoption
Historical context
- Developed during a period of rapid technological advancement in photography
- Coincided with the rise of studios and portrait galleries
- Emerged alongside the growing popularity of cartes de visite and
- Responded to the increasing demand for high-quality, reproducible photographic prints
Technical process
- Albumen printing involved a multi-step process that combined chemistry and craftsmanship
- Required careful preparation of materials and precise timing for optimal results
- Allowed for mass production of prints, revolutionizing the photographic industry
Egg white preparation
- Separated egg whites from yolks and removed any traces of yolk or shell
- Whipped egg whites to create a froth, then allowed to settle for 24-48 hours
- Added small amounts of salt and sometimes vinegar to the albumen mixture
- Strained the liquid albumen to remove any remaining impurities or air bubbles
Paper coating methods
- Selected high-quality, thin paper (often from European manufacturers)
- Floated paper on the surface of the prepared albumen solution
- Ensured even coating by carefully lifting paper from one corner
- Hung coated paper to dry in a dust-free environment for several hours
Sensitization with silver nitrate
- Prepared a silver nitrate solution (typically 10-12% concentration)
- Floated the albumen-coated paper on the silver nitrate solution
- Allowed the chemical reaction to occur, forming light-sensitive silver chloride
- Dried the sensitized paper in complete darkness to preserve light sensitivity
Visual characteristics
- Albumen prints possessed unique visual qualities that set them apart from other photographic processes
- These characteristics influenced artistic choices and shaped the aesthetic of 19th-century photography
- Understanding these visual traits helps historians and collectors identify and date albumen prints
Tonal range vs daguerreotypes
- Offered a wider tonal range compared to daguerreotypes and salt prints
- Produced richer mid-tones and deeper shadows, enhancing image depth
- Allowed for more subtle gradations between highlights and shadows
- Maintained detail in both bright and dark areas of the image
Surface texture and sheen
- Created a smooth, glossy surface due to the egg white binder
- Exhibited a characteristic sheen that enhanced the perception of image detail
- Produced a slight relief effect, with thicker areas of albumen appearing raised
- Varied in surface texture depending on the paper and coating technique used
Color variations
- Produced warm brown to reddish-brown tones in well-preserved prints
- Exhibited color shifts over time, often fading to yellowish or orange hues
- Allowed for toning with gold chloride to achieve purple-brown or blue-black colors
- Occasionally featured to add vibrant hues to monochrome images
Popularity and widespread use
- Albumen printing quickly became the dominant photographic process of the 19th century
- Its versatility and reproducibility contributed to the rapid growth of the photography industry
- The technique remained popular for several decades, shaping worldwide
Commercial adoption
- Embraced by professional photographers for its consistent results and scalability
- Enabled the mass production of photographic prints for the first time
- Reduced production costs, making photographs more affordable for consumers
- Facilitated the growth of photographic publishing and the postcard industry
Use in portraiture
- Became the standard for studio portraiture, replacing daguerreotypes and ambrotypes
- Allowed for multiple prints from a single negative, enabling wider distribution
- Popularized the format, fueling a craze for collectible portraits
- Improved rendering of clothing textures and facial features compared to earlier processes
Landscape photography applications
- Ideal for capturing and reproducing detailed landscape views
- Enabled the creation of large-format prints for exhibition and sale
- Facilitated the documentation of remote locations and natural wonders
- Supported the work of survey photographers in the American West ()
Notable practitioners
- Many renowned photographers of the 19th century embraced albumen printing
- Their work showcased the versatility and artistic potential of the medium
- Studying these practitioners provides insights into the evolution of photographic aesthetics
Key photographers using albumen
- : Known for her emotive portraits and allegorical scenes
- Carleton Watkins: Produced stunning large-format landscapes of the American West
- : Documented the American Civil War through albumen prints
- : Captured early images of East Asia and conflict photography
- : Created influential photographs of Egypt and the Middle East
Significant albumen print collections
- : Houses extensive holdings of 19th-century photography
- : Features a diverse collection of albumen prints
- The : Preserves important historical albumen print archives
- The : Holds a significant collection of early photographs
- The : Maintains a vast archive of 19th-century prints
Artistic considerations
- Albumen printing offered photographers new creative possibilities and challenges
- The medium's unique characteristics influenced artistic decisions and techniques
- Photographers explored various approaches to maximize the aesthetic potential of albumen prints
Aesthetic qualities of albumen
- Produced a distinctive warm tone that became associated with 19th-century photography
- Offered a delicate balance between sharpness and softness in image rendering
- Created a sense of depth and dimensionality through its glossy surface
- Allowed for subtle manipulations of contrast and tonality during printing
Creative techniques and manipulations
- : Merged multiple negatives to create composite images
- : Altered negatives or prints to enhance or modify details
- : Softened edges of portraits for a dreamy, ethereal effect
- Hand-coloring: Applied watercolors or other pigments to add color to prints
- Experimental coating techniques: Varied albumen consistency for textural effects
Preservation challenges
- Albumen prints are susceptible to various forms of deterioration over time
- Understanding these challenges is crucial for conservators and collectors
- Proper preservation techniques help maintain the historical and artistic value of albumen prints
Fading and deterioration issues
- Light sensitivity: Exposure to UV light causes fading and color shifts
- Humidity fluctuations: Lead to cracking and flaking of the albumen layer
- Sulfur compounds: Cause yellowing and image degradation over time
- Improper storage: Results in physical damage such as tears and creases
- Biological threats: Mold growth can occur in high-humidity environments
Conservation methods
- Climate-controlled storage: Maintain stable temperature and humidity levels
- Proper housing: Use acid-free materials for storage and display
- Limited light exposure: Restrict display time and use UV-filtered lighting
- Digitization: Create high-quality digital copies to reduce handling of originals
- Specialized cleaning techniques: Employ gentle methods to remove surface dirt
Legacy and influence
- Albumen printing left an indelible mark on the history of photography
- Its widespread use shaped visual culture and photographic practices for decades
- The technique's influence can still be seen in contemporary photography and art
Impact on photographic industry
- Standardized photographic print production for commercial use
- Facilitated the growth of photographic studios and portrait businesses
- Influenced the development of subsequent printing processes and technologies
- Contributed to the establishment of photography as a viable artistic medium
Transition to gelatin silver process
- Gelatin silver prints gradually replaced albumen prints in the late 19th century
- Offered improved stability, faster processing, and greater tonal range
- Maintained some aesthetic qualities of albumen prints while addressing limitations
- Marked the shift towards more industrialized photographic production methods
Contemporary relevance
- Albumen printing continues to intrigue and inspire photographers and artists today
- The process offers unique aesthetic qualities that cannot be replicated digitally
- Studying and practicing albumen printing provides insights into photographic history
Modern albumen printing
- Practiced by a small community of alternative process enthusiasts
- Requires sourcing specialized materials and adapting historical techniques
- Offers opportunities for experimentation with contemporary subjects and themes
- Challenges photographers to engage with slow, hands-on image-making processes
Artistic revival and experimentation
- Contemporary artists explore albumen printing for its distinctive visual qualities
- Combines historical processes with modern concepts and digital technologies
- Used in fine art photography to create unique, handcrafted prints
- Inspires new approaches to portraiture, landscape, and conceptual photography
Key Terms to Review (25)
19th century: The 19th century was a period from 1801 to 1900 marked by significant social, political, and technological changes, particularly in Europe and North America. This era saw the rise of industrialization, the expansion of empires, and profound shifts in artistic movements, including the evolution of photography and printmaking techniques that defined the visual culture of the time.
Albumen print: An albumen print is a photographic process that involves using egg white to create a light-sensitive coating on paper, which is then exposed to light to produce a photographic image. This technique was the first commercial method of producing photographs on paper and became widely popular in the 19th century. The albumen print process allowed for finer detail and a glossy finish, making it ideal for portraiture and landscapes, including the significant imagery from the American West.
Bibliothèque nationale de france: The Bibliothèque Nationale de France (BnF) is the national library of France, established in 1368 and known for being one of the largest libraries in the world. It houses an extensive collection of books, manuscripts, photographs, and other materials, playing a crucial role in preserving French cultural heritage and history, particularly significant in the context of the evolution of photographic practices such as the albumen print.
Carleton Watkins: Carleton Watkins was an American photographer known for his pioneering work in landscape photography, particularly of the American West. His images played a significant role in promoting the beauty of natural landscapes and contributed to the conservation movement, showcasing areas that would later become national parks. Watkins is celebrated for his use of the albumen print technique, which allowed for detailed and rich representations of scenic vistas.
Carte de visite: A carte de visite is a small photographic print mounted on a thick card, typically measuring about 2.5 x 4 inches, popularized in the mid-19th century. This format allowed for mass production and dissemination of portrait photographs, making photography accessible and fashionable during the Victorian era. The cartes often featured portraits of individuals or families, leading to a new culture of collecting and exchanging these images, especially among the upper and middle classes.
Combination printing: Combination printing is a photographic technique that involves the merging of multiple images into a single print, creating a composite photograph. This method allows photographers to blend different scenes or elements to achieve a more complex narrative or visual effect. By manipulating various exposures and prints, artists could create imaginative compositions that reflected their vision beyond the limits of a single shot.
Commercial Photography: Commercial photography refers to the practice of taking photographs for commercial purposes, such as advertising, marketing, and sales. This type of photography is essential for businesses to promote their products or services, creating visually appealing images that attract consumers and drive sales. It often involves collaboration with brands, agencies, and clients to deliver imagery that aligns with marketing strategies and brand identity.
Felice Beato: Felice Beato was an Italian photographer known for his pioneering work in the field of war photography and for being one of the first to capture the realities of conflict through the lens. His photographs during the Crimean War and later in Asia provided an early glimpse into documentary photography, influencing how war and cultural encounters were visualized. His use of albumen prints allowed for detailed and rich images, which became a standard in photographic reproduction.
Francis Frith: Francis Frith was a prominent British photographer known for his pioneering work in landscape photography during the 19th century. He is particularly celebrated for his albumen prints that captured stunning views of ancient monuments, towns, and landscapes, contributing significantly to the popularization of photography as an art form. His photographs often combined artistic sensibility with a documentary style, providing both aesthetic pleasure and historical context.
Gelatin silver process: The gelatin silver process is a photographic printing technique that uses light-sensitive silver salts embedded in a layer of gelatin on paper to create images. This method became the dominant form of black-and-white photography from the late 19th century into the mid-20th century due to its high image quality and versatility. It relates closely to the albumen print as an evolution in photographic processes, offering greater control over contrast and tonal range. Additionally, it was compatible with box cameras, which were popular for both amateur and professional photography, making it widely accessible.
George Eastman Museum: The George Eastman Museum is a prominent institution dedicated to photography and film, founded by George Eastman, the inventor of the Kodak camera, in Rochester, New York. As one of the world's oldest photography museums, it houses an extensive collection of photographs, cameras, and photographic equipment, showcasing the history and evolution of the medium, including various photographic processes such as albumen prints.
Hand-coloring: Hand-coloring refers to the technique of adding color to black-and-white photographic images by hand, typically using various pigments or dyes. This practice was widely used in the 19th century to enhance photographs and make them more visually appealing, bridging the gap between photography and traditional painting. It allowed photographers to create unique artworks that added depth and life to their images, reflecting both artistic expression and the limitations of early photographic processes.
Julia Margaret Cameron: Julia Margaret Cameron was a pioneering British photographer known for her portrait work in the 19th century, particularly during the Victorian era. She was celebrated for her ability to capture the personalities and emotions of her subjects, often using soft focus and dramatic lighting, which contributed to the development of artistic photography. Her innovative approaches influenced both celebrity portraiture and self-portraiture, leaving a lasting impact on the field of photography.
Landscape photography: Landscape photography is a genre of photography focused on capturing the natural beauty of the environment, including landforms, skies, and natural elements. This form of photography emphasizes composition, light, and atmosphere to portray the majesty and vastness of outdoor scenes. It often reflects a connection between humans and nature, making it significant across various photographic processes and movements.
Library of Congress: The Library of Congress is the largest library in the world, located in Washington, D.C., and serves as the research arm of the United States Congress. It houses an extensive collection of over 170 million items, including books, recordings, photographs, maps, and manuscripts, making it a crucial resource for understanding American history and culture. The library plays a significant role in preserving and providing access to historical photographs, including important examples like the albumen print.
Louis Désiré Blanquart-Evrard: Louis Désiré Blanquart-Evrard was a French photographer and inventor, best known for his contributions to the development of the albumen print process in the 19th century. He played a pivotal role in popularizing this printing technique, which used egg whites to create a smooth, glossy surface on photographic prints. His innovations not only improved the quality of photographs but also made them more accessible to both artists and the general public, significantly impacting the history of photography.
Mathew Brady: Mathew Brady was an influential American photographer, best known for his pioneering work in war photography during the American Civil War and for establishing the role of the photographer as a chronicler of history. His innovative use of albumen prints, coupled with his ability to capture the human experience of conflict, helped lay the groundwork for modern photojournalism and celebrity portraiture, forever changing how events and figures were documented in visual culture.
Photojournalism: Photojournalism is a form of journalism that uses images to tell news stories, capturing real-life events and conveying information through visual narratives. It plays a crucial role in shaping public perception and understanding of significant events and issues, often acting as a powerful tool for social change and historical documentation.
Retouching: Retouching is the process of altering a photographic image to improve its appearance, often by correcting flaws or enhancing specific elements. This practice connects deeply to the historical and contemporary practices in photography, influencing how images are perceived in various contexts such as portraiture, commercial advertising, and fashion. Through retouching, photographers can create idealized versions of their subjects or products, leading to discussions about authenticity and representation in visual culture.
Silver nitrate: Silver nitrate is a chemical compound with the formula AgNO₃, consisting of silver, nitrogen, and oxygen. It plays a crucial role in photography, particularly as a light-sensitive material used in various photographic processes. In both the albumen print and wet plate collodion processes, silver nitrate is essential for the formation of images on photographic substrates, as it reacts to light to create latent images that can be developed.
Stereographs: Stereographs are pairs of images that create a three-dimensional effect when viewed through a stereoscope, allowing the viewer to perceive depth. This method became especially popular in the 19th century, often using albumen prints for high-quality images, thus enhancing the visual experience of scenes and portraits. The combination of stereographs with albumen printing techniques played a significant role in the growth of photography as a popular medium for entertainment and education.
The J. Paul Getty Museum: The J. Paul Getty Museum is a prominent art museum in Los Angeles, California, known for its extensive collection of art, including photographs, paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts. Established in 1974, the museum focuses on both the preservation of art and the promotion of education through its rich exhibits and scholarly resources. Its photography collection features significant works that showcase the history and evolution of the medium, making it a vital institution for the study of photography.
Victoria and Albert Museum: The Victoria and Albert Museum, commonly known as the V&A, is a world-renowned museum in London dedicated to art and design. Founded in 1852, it houses a vast collection that spans over 5,000 years of history, including photography, textiles, ceramics, and more. The museum's extensive photography collection includes important works related to the albumen print process, showcasing its significance in the evolution of photographic techniques and visual culture.
Vignetting: Vignetting is a photographic effect that results in a gradual shading or darkening of the corners of an image, drawing attention to the center. This can occur naturally through lens limitations or intentionally as a creative choice to enhance the focal point of a photograph. Understanding vignetting helps in appreciating how it influences composition and viewer perception in the art of photography.
Visual Culture: Visual culture refers to the study of visual imagery and its impact on society, encompassing how images shape our understanding of the world and influence cultural narratives. It connects the creation, dissemination, and reception of visual forms, including photography, art, and media, exploring how they reflect and shape social dynamics, identity, and historical context. This concept plays a significant role in understanding how different visual representations convey meaning and affect cultural perception across various periods.