Sir John Herschel, the great polymath scientist of the mid nineteenth century, formulated the original argentotype in 1842. He also invented the cyanotype, another iron based process (which does not use silver). W.W.J. Nicol, a chemist, also worked on the process and patented the kallitype print in 1889. It and its Van Dyke and brownprint variations were in wide use at the end of the nineteenth century and the beginning of the twentieth century. They were even available as precoated papers. It continued in popularity through the 1920s.
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About Kallitype/Van Dyke Prints |
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Kallitypes, Van Dyke prints, brownprints, and argentotype prints are very closely related. This fact has led to some degree of confusion. The major difference between kallitypes and Van Dyke/brownprints is that the kallitypes require more processing to develop and fix. Argentotypes, particularly a new version published by Mike Ware, may be somewhat more stable and may show greater tonal range (given a suitable negative). All of these processes rely on the light sensitivity of iron compounds and their ability to reduce silver ions to metal.
Continue to the Van Dyke Gallery Technical Information about the Van Dyke Process
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| Images available for purchase. Contact me via email at edwardaites@yahoo.com for pricing information. All images Copyright 1992-2005 by Edwardo Aites. No reproduction or redistribution in any form whether digital or print without prior written consent. |
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