Yanotype the History Science and Art of Photographic Printing in Prussian Blue

Mean solar day, F. Holland, [F.H. Twenty-four hour period and Maynard White in sailor suits, portrait], 1911, cyanotype. (Photo: The Louise Imogen Guiney Collection, Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division [Public domain])
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The word "photography" derives from the Greek words for low-cal (phōs) and cartoon (graphé). And so, information technology's rubber to say that inventors and photographers have developed many innovative ways of "drawing with light." 1 method that was introduced in the 19th century is cyanotype photography—an early photographic procedure known for the bright blue (cyan) hue of the final impress.

It was adult in 1842 by English astronomer Sir John Herschel, who was looking for a style to make copies of his notes. Cyanotypes offered a simple way to replicate drafts and diagrams. And since color photography did non yet exist, they provided a tinge of color to otherwise black and white images. Cyanotypes are still used today as an alternative printing medium; however, during the 20th century, as photography and technology advanced, the technique became somewhat obsolete. It reverted to primarily being used for replicating architectural diagrams and design notes—aka blueprints.

Newspaper Row, New York, c. 1900, cyanotype. (Photograph: Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, Detroit Publishing Company Drove [Public domain])

Early Adopters and Gimmicky Artists Using the Cyanotype Process

While the cyanotype process was nearly commonly used in making blueprints, artists and scientists have been drawn to the medium since its invention. One of the earliest uses of the process was by Anna Atkins, a botanist and friend of Herschel. Atkins made photogram prints by laying an object (rather than a negative) directly upon the sensitized surface. Her stale seaweed specimens produced stunning photograms worthy of display, simply her motive was primarily to illustrate her volume Photographs of British Algae: Cyanotype Impressions. Due to her work with cyanotype, Atkins is considered the starting time female person photographer.

Cyanotype photogram of algae by Anna Atkins. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons [Public domain])

Produced into the 20th century, cyanotypes were eventually outstripped past other printing techniques. Recently, mod artists have revived the process for its ease and artful appeal. The Swiss American artist and composer Christian Marclay used cyanotype photogram processes to capture "sound collages" of cassette tapes and records. Photographer Kate Cordsen likewise creates ethereal cyanotypes on linen.

Johnston, Frances Benjamin. [Children doing calisthenics while sitting at their desks in a classroom, fifth Division public schools, Washington, D.C.], c. 1899, cyanotype. (Photograph: Johnston (Frances Benjamin) Collection, Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Segmentation [Public domain])

The Cyanotype Process

Compared to another photographic processes, the cyanotype process (aka the blueprint process) is chemically simple. Potassium ferricyanide and ferric ammonium citrate solutions are combined to make an iron-rich sensitizer solution. The solution is then brushed evenly over paper, fabric, or other porous surfaces. The sensitizer chemicals react to lite when exposed, so this coating should take identify in dim lite.

Dry coated sheets are placed in UV calorie-free such as sunlight, which is why cyanotypes are sometimes referred to as lord's day prints . 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. The final stride is a unproblematic water rinse, which washes abroad the unexposed sensitizer. Under the yellowish will exist a brilliant blueish derived from oxidized iron. The blue darkens as the print dries to reveal the final product.

Handy, Levin C. Structure 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])

What is Prussian Blue?

The exposed sections of cyanotype prints turn a special color known as Prussian blueish . During the last rinse, these pigments remain because Prussian blue does not dissolve in water. Produced by a chemical reaction developed in the early 18th century, Prussian blue became a coveted pigment amidst painters in Europe and Nihon (including Hokusai). To show off their wealth, families would also have household rooms painted in the deep hue.

An example of Prussian blue pigment usage. Hokusai, Katsushika. The Great Wave of Kangawa, offset edition c. 1826-1833, reprint by Adachi from the Shōwa period. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons [Public domain])

Here are some examples of cyanotypes created in the early on 20th century.

New York from Brooklyn, c. 1901, cyanotype. (Photo: Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, Detroit Publishing Company Drove [Public domain])

[Whirl Pool R]apids, Niagara], c. 1900, cyanotype. (Photograph: Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Segmentation, Detroit Publishing Company Drove [Public domain])

Jackson, William Henry. One-time Mill at Bartlett'southward Acquit, Round Lake, Adirondack Mountains, c. 1902, cyanotype. (Photo: Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Partition, Detroit Publishing Company Collection [Public domain])

 

DIY Cyanotype Photography

Cyanotypes are like shooting fish in a barrel, fun, and relatively affordable to effort. For more experienced photographers or artists, y'all can buy and mix chemicals to coat different surfaces with sensitizer. (See instructions here and here.) There are also cyanotype kits bachelor for families or those looking for a quicker process. (Fix-fabricated sensitized paper can as well exist bought separately from fine art suppliers.)

For those who are more than used to a digital approach and don't take actually flick negatives, yous tin can use Photoshop (or some other photo editing plan) to invert a digital black and white photo into a negative. And so, you lot can print your inverted photo onto transparency moving-picture show (making information technology just like a moving-picture show negative).

Side by side, all you'll really need is sunlight to expose your sensitized newspaper and water to launder away the unexposed sensitizer.

Yous can try making cyanotypes using pre-made light-sensitive paper or cyanotype kits.

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