Albumen Print

1850–1900

Egg white as binder — the dominant photographic print of the 19th century. Billions of eggs cracked for photography.

Paper coated with salted egg white, sensitized with silver nitrate. Printed out in sunlight. Warm purplish-brown tones.

1 artist6 colors

Albumen Print Process

International

Invented by Blanquart-Evrard. By 1860 it was the universal print medium. Every Victorian portrait album used albumen.

Egg whites create a smooth, glossy surface. Prints yellow with age as albumen deteriorates. Gold toning adds warmth and permanence.

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Pigments: Silver

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