Day, F. Holland, [F.H.
Day and Maynard White in sailor suits, portrait], 1911, cyanotype.
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Day, F. Holland, [F.H. Day and Maynard White in sailor suits, portrait], 1911, cyanotype. (Photo: The Louise Imogen Guiney Collection,Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division [Public domain])This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase, My Modern Met may earn an affiliate commission. Please readour disclosurefor more info.
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The word photography derives from the Greek words for light (phos) and drawing (graphe).
Cyanotypes offered a simple way to replicate drafts and diagrams.
Newspaper Row, New York, c. 1900, cyanotype. (Photo:Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, Detroit Publishing Company Collection [Public domain])
It reverted to primarily being used for replicating architectural diagrams and design notesakablueprints.
Newspaper Row, New York, c. 1900, cyanotype.
One of the earliest uses of the process was byAnna Atkins, a botanist and friend of Herschel.
Cyanotype photogram of algae by Anna Atkins. (Photo:Wikimedia Commons[Public domain])
Atkins made photogram prints by laying an object (rather than a negative) directly upon the sensitized surface.
Due to her work with cyanotype, Atkins is considered the first female photographer.
Cyanotype photogram of algae by Anna Atkins.
Johnston, Frances Benjamin. [Children doing calisthenics while sitting at their desks in a classroom, 5th Division public schools, Washington, D.C.], c. 1899, cyanotype. (Photo: Johnston (Frances Benjamin) Collection,Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division [Public domain])
(Photo:Wikimedia Commons[Public domain])
Johnston, Frances Benjamin.
Potassium ferricyanide and ferric ammonium citrate solutions are combined to make aniron-rich sensitizer solution.
The solution is then brushed evenly over paper, fabric, or other porous surfaces.
Handy, Levin C. Construction of the Library of Congress, S.W. court, Washington, D.C., Dec. 9, 1891, cyanotype. (Photo: Panoramic Photographs,Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division [Public domain])
The sensitizer chemicals react to light when exposed, so this coating should take place in dim light.
The opaque areas of a negative block the light while other areas are exposed.
A chemical reaction of the iron compounds takes place and the exposed paper appears yellowish or bronze.
An example of Prussian blue pigment usage. Hokusai, Katsushika. The Great Wave of Kangawa, first edition c. 1826-1833, reprint by Adachi from the Shōwa period. (Photo:Wikimedia Commons[Public domain])
The final step is a simple water rinse, which washes away the unexposed sensitizer.
Under the yellow will be a brilliantblue derived from oxidized iron.
The blue darkens as the print dries to reveal the final product.
New York from Brooklyn, c. 1901, cyanotype. (Photo:Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, Detroit Publishing Company Collection [Public domain])
Handy, Levin C. Construction of the Library of Congress, S.W.
court, Washington, D.C., Dec. 9, 1891, cyanotype.
The exposed sections of cyanotype prints turn a special color known asPrussian blue.
[Whirl Pool R]apids, Niagara], c. 1900, cyanotype. (Photo:Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, Detroit Publishing Company Collection [Public domain])
During the final rinse, these pigments remain because Prussian blue does not dissolve in water.
To show off their wealth, families would also have household rooms painted in the deep hue.
An example of Prussian blue pigment usage.
Jackson, William Henry. Old Mill at Bartlett’s Carry, Round Lake, Adirondack Mountains, c. 1902, cyanotype. (Photo:Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, Detroit Publishing Company Collection [Public domain])
The Great Wave of Kangawa, first edition c. 1826-1833, reprint by Adachi from the Showa period.
New York from Brooklyn, c. 1901, cyanotype.
Old Mill at Bartlett’s Carry, Round Lake, Adirondack Mountains, c. 1902, cyanotype.
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(See instructionshereandhere.)
There are alsocyanotype kitsavailable for families or those looking for a quicker process.
(Ready-madesensitized papercan also be bought separately from art suppliers.)
