The Philadelphia Photographer, Vol. I & II, Nos. 1-24

William Henry Brown, 1864

MEDIUMAlbumen silver prints
LOCATIONThe Metropolitan Museum of Art
COLLECTIONPhotographs
CREDIT LINEHarris Brisbane Dick Fund, 1938

This volume of "The Philadelphia Photographer" is a time capsule, presenting early albumen silver prints and chronicling the innovations and discussions that shaped photography in America during the 1860s.

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ABOUT THIS WORK

This bound volume, "The Philadelphia Photographer," offers a fascinating glimpse into the nascent world of photography in 1864. It compiles the first two volumes of a significant periodical, featuring a collection of albumen silver prints. These prints, a popular photographic process of the era, would have been highly detailed, capturing a wide range of subjects from portraits to landscapes and technical illustrations. The publication itself served as a vital resource for both amateur and professional photographers, sharing new techniques, artistic discussions, and business insights. As you flip through its pages, imagine the excitement of photographers across America receiving these issues, eager to learn and be inspired. This volume isn't just a collection of images; it’s a tangible record of a pivotal moment in photography's history, showcasing the medium’s rapid evolution and its growing influence on society.

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What to Notice

1

Observe the subtle sepia tones characteristic of albumen prints.

2

Look for the varying subjects captured in the individual photographs.

3

Notice the binding and typography of the original publication.

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Audio Deep Dive

This volume of "The Philadelphia Photographer" is a time capsule, presenting early albumen silver prints and chronicling the innovations and discussions that s…

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THE ARTIST
William Henry Brown 1815–1875

William Henry Brown, known for his silhouette portraits and early photographic experiments, captured the likenesses of figures like John Quincy Adams.

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