Louis Désiré Blanquart-Evrard

Definition

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.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Blanquart-Evrard's albumen print process became the standard for photographic printing in the mid-to-late 19th century due to its high image quality.
2. He was one of the first photographers to commercially produce and sell photographs, which helped establish photography as a viable art form and business.
3. Blanquart-Evrard also published several important texts on photography, sharing his knowledge and techniques with other photographers and enthusiasts.
4. His work laid the groundwork for future advancements in photographic processes, influencing generations of photographers after him.
5. In addition to his contributions to photography, Blanquart-Evrard was actively involved in promoting photography as an art form through exhibitions and competitions.

Review Questions

• How did Blanquart-Evrard contribute to the popularity of photography in the 19th century?
  • Blanquart-Evrard significantly contributed to the popularity of photography by developing and perfecting the albumen print process, which allowed for high-quality prints that were more accessible to both artists and the general public. His innovations not only improved the quality of photographs but also made it easier for photographers to reproduce their work. By commercializing photography and producing prints for sale, he helped establish photography as a respected art form and a viable business.
• What were some key differences between the albumen print process developed by Blanquart-Evrard and earlier methods like the daguerreotype?
  • The albumen print process differed significantly from earlier methods like the daguerreotype in several ways. While daguerreotypes produced a single, unique image on a polished metal plate, albumen prints allowed for multiple copies to be made from a negative. Additionally, albumen prints used egg whites as a binder for photographic chemicals on paper, resulting in smoother textures and glossier finishes compared to the matte appearance of daguerreotypes. This shift made photographs more versatile and appealing to a broader audience.
• Evaluate the long-term impact of Blanquart-Evrard's innovations on photography and art in subsequent years.
  • The long-term impact of Blanquart-Evrard's innovations is evident in how they shaped both photography and art well beyond his time. By establishing the albumen print as a dominant method in photography, he set standards for print quality that influenced numerous photographers and artists who followed. His educational efforts also played a crucial role in advancing photographic techniques, helping to professionalize the field. Ultimately, his contributions helped elevate photography from a mere technical endeavor to an acknowledged artistic medium, paving the way for future movements and techniques that define modern photography.

Related terms

Albumen Print: A photographic printing process that uses egg whites to bind the photographic chemicals to the paper, resulting in sharp images with a glossy finish.

Daguerreotype: One of the earliest forms of photography, developed by Louis Daguerre, which produced a single, highly detailed image on a polished metal plate.

Collodion Process: A wet-plate photographic process that involves coating a glass plate with collodion, which allows for shorter exposure times and improved image quality.