Artwork Page for Self-Portrait (negative)

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Self-Portrait (negative)

c. 1853

Louis-Rémy Robert

(French, 1811–1882)
Culture
France, 19th century
Medium
waxed paper negative
Measurements
Overall: 24.3 x 17.9 cm (9 9/16 x 7 1/16 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Charles Isaacs and Carol Nigro 1998.195
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print

Description

After the announcement of the waxed paper negative process in 1851, Louis-Rémy Robert used the technique with remarkable results. In this self-portrait negative, the elegantly dressed photo-grapher stood in an animated profile pose. With great success, Robert exploited the inherent softness of the paper negative and its ability to render broad areas of light and shadow.
A vertically oriented waxed paper negative in muted gray and cream tones depicts an older man with a medium-dark skin tone in profile facing right. He has short light hair and a beard, wearing a high-collared jacket at a podium. One hand rests on an open book while his other arm bends at the elbow. Soft, grainy textures and hazy light streaks define his figure against a dark, mottled background.

Self-Portrait (negative)

c. 1853

Louis-Rémy Robert

(French, 1811–1882)
France, 19th century

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