A photographic picture obtained by the use of a cyanide.
Developed by Sir John Hirschel (1842) and improved by Pellet in 1871, this technique creates a photographic image consisting of blue lines on a white background (or vice-versa). A forerunner of the modern blueprint process.
Cyanotypes are produced by placing a negative, plant speciman, or drawing on asheetof paper treated with iron salt and potassium ferricyanide. When the sheet is placed in direct sunlight, an impression will form that eventually turns bright blue (cyan) where it has been exposed to light and white where the sunlight was blocked. Although the process was first invented in 1841, most cyanotypes were produced from the late 1880s to 1920. One common use was for architectural drawings in blueprints.
A contact print made with a paper coated with iron salt and potassium ferricyanide. When exposed in sunlight, the areas blocked by the negative appear white and exposed areas appear bright blue in color. Although invented in 1841, this process is commonly known for its use in architectural blueprints.
a photographic image created by holding an object against blueprint paper, which develops the image using a very long exposure
a photographic print distinguished by its bright blue color
The cyanotype (sunprint) was one of the first photographic printing processes. The process dates back as early as the year 1841 and became quite popular during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The Cyanotype process can be used to make either negatives or positives on paper. It was most commonly used for making images by direct contact with objects such as leaves and feathers, or for making prints from negatives. The inexpensive nature of the sensitising solution and the relative simplicity of its operation made it popular among amateurs following its invention in 1842. For an account of this process see Mike Ware, Cyanotype, (London: Science Museum, 1999). Exhibits created using this process
A simple and early photographic technique often referred to as blueprint (1842-1950s) using iron salts to produce an image in insoluble Prussian Blue in the paper, which was fixed by washing the image in water. It was a quick and simple process.
Invented by Sir John Herschel in 1842. A mixture of dichromate and iron salts was coated on plain paper. Too slow for camera use, this paper could be exposed under a negative or more commonly under an object such as a botanical specimen. Wherever the light reached the coating a chemical change occurred, made visible as soon as the paper was placed in water. A characteristic deep blue colour resulted. Used later in the 19th century for amateur and field work as an inexpensive printing process and used well into the 20th century in the form of the architect's blueprint.
Sir John Herschel invented this process in 1840. Herschel was an astronomer and inventor who first used the terms "negative" and "positive" to describe the making of a photographic print. Among the earliest permanent processes, the name cyanotype refers not to the blue tonality of the prints, but rather to the use of ferrous cyanide in the emulsion. In the 1870s it became known as a "blueprint" and is still widely used to reproduce architectural plans.
this early process was invented by Sir John Herschel in 1840. A contact print was made with fine quality paper, which was coated with iron salt and potassium ferricynanide. The image was produced by placing a negative or botanical specimen on the sensitised paper and exposing it to light. Where light reached the paper the area turned a stunning cobalt blue colour; where the light was blocked, it remained white. Anna Atkins perfected Herschel's process and produced British Algae between 1840 and 1845. The British Library holds one of the complete copies of this outstanding work. This process is still in use today; it is commonly known as blue print and used for architectural drawings. Contemporary artists are also using this process to great effect.
A photographic image exposed on hand applied, light sensitive, blue-toned emulsion. Bloodroot Press has found these blue-toned photographs to be especially compatible with natural fiber and dyed papers, especially indigo dyed.
Sir John Herschel invented the cyanotype process in 1840 and patented it in 1842. (Herschel, an astronomer and inventor, was the first to use the terms "negative" and "positive" to describe the manufacture of a photographic print.) Cyanotype was the name Herschel gave to a print made from the action of light on iron salts. This was among the very earliest permanent process which in the 1870's became known as "blueprint" and is still widely used to reproduce architectural plans. The name cyanotype does not refer to the blue color (cyan) of the prints, but rather to the use of ferrous cyanide in the emulsion.
Common in the 19th century, this printing process used light sensitive iron salts, creating brilliant blue images known for their rich hue, matte surface and stability.
contact printing process producing a blue image on a white background. Photo Glossary - D
Cyanotype is an old monochrome photographic printing process that gives a cyan-blue print.