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Record Details

Photograph (Experimental Photogenic Drawing), by Sir John Herschel, c.1839

Inventory Number: 16381
Object Type:
Persons: Sir John Frederick William Herschel (Photographer)
Date Created:
Accession Number: 1928-71
Brief Description: Experimental photogenic drawing by Sir John Herschel, undated, c.1843???. Herschel's chemical preparation 884 implies a date xxxxx. Its unusually small size resembles the three small blue phytotypes (31035, 67508, 81452); the pastel yellow colour and lack of discernible image would also be consistent with it being a phytotype. Otherwise, however, no phytotypes have been noted in packet 34, nor with chemical numbers such as 884.

Subject: engraving, no visible image but hint of light border
Technique: contact copy
Format: not apparent
Polarity: positive
Orientation: not apparent
Quality: no visible image
Colour: yellowy, plain back
Chemistry: not apparent, possibly a phytotype
Coating: none
Inscription: number
Paper: normal, small
Condition: good
Purpose: not known, possibly an experimental phytotype.

For fuller descriptive and historical commentary see narratives.
Primary Inscriptions: '884'.
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).
Collection Group: Herschel's Photographic Experiments
Material(s): Paper
Dimensions:
Height Width Depth Diameter Unit
60 49 mm

Narratives

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