William Henry Fox Talbot

photographic engraving, with the annotation 'folded muslin to produce cross screen' and date in pencil on the reverse, 1852-57

Hans P. Kraus, Jr., Fine Photographs, New York, 2003

Hans P. Kraus, Jr., Sun Pictures Catalogue Twelve: Talbot and Photogravure (New York, 2003), no. 13 (this print)

The photographic engraving, on heavy embossed paper, is in generally very good condition. The paper measures 10¼ by 6¾ inches. Pervasive foxing and light soiling are visible in the wide margins and on the reverse, but this does not affect the image. This photographic engraving previously underwent conservation, primarily a surface cleaning and to address paper stains. A treatment report prepared by Paul Messier of Boston Art Conservation is available upon request.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The present image combines Talbot's technical innovation with his talent for composition.  Frustrated with the impermanence of his earliest photogenic drawings and calotypes, Talbot turned to engraving in the 1850s, in an effort to find a more enduring photographic process.

Talbot’s first photographic engravings were produced by coating a metal plate with a light-sensitive emulsion of gelatin and potassium bichromate, then placing an object, such as the scrap of crape fabric pictured here, on the plate.  It was next exposed to sunlight.  The application of a solution of platinum chloride then etched the latent image into the metal, creating a printing plate ready to be inked.  In October 1852, Talbot filed patent no. 565, Improvements in the Art of Engraving, detailing this process and laying the groundwork for the modern day photogravure.  He continued to experiment and improve the process, filing another patent in 1858. 

". . . when the object placed on the steel plate to be engraved is a piece of black crape or gauze, an engraving of it is obtained . . . which truly depicts the object, representing every thread in its proper place by a corresponding engraved line . . ."

William Henry Fox Talbot, 1853