Albumen Print
1850–1900Egg 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.