Late 19th-Century Photograph of Milan Cathedral by Edizioni Brogi, circa 1870
€ 580
Original antique · The actual sheet photographed · Certificate of authenticity on request · Sold unframed · Worldwide shipping from € 15 (rates)
Date
1870
Sheet size
24.5 × 31 cm (9.6 × 12.2 in)
Reference
BG-13116
What the condition grades mean
Excellent
Bright and clean, with no faults worth mentioning.
Very good
Only light signs of age, such as faint toning.
Good
Normal signs of age for a sheet of this period: toning, some foxing, small marks or neat old repairs.
Fair
Clear faults such as staining, tears or repairs, priced to match.
Every fault we see is written in the condition note, and the whole sheet is shown uncropped in the photos.
Condition
The photograph is mounted on dark backing and appears well-preserved with minimal visible wear. The image quality is sharp, with good contrast, and the sepia tone is consistent throughout. There is no noticeable fading or damage.
About this sheet
This photograph depicts the Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano), one of the largest and most iconic Gothic cathedrals in Europe. The image showcases the intricate facade and towering spires, taken from a side perspective, emphasizing the grandeur and detailed architecture of the building. The photo is labeled "3818. MILANO – La Cattedrale" and was produced by Edizioni Brogi, a well-known Italian photography studio active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The photograph is an albumen print photography, a popular technique used from the mid-19th century until the early 20th century, particularly in the production of landscape and architectural images.
Key Aspects of the Albumen Print Process:
1. Process: Albumen prints were made by coating paper with a mixture of egg whites (albumen) and a salt solution, which would form a glossy surface. The paper was then sensitized with silver nitrate, making it light-sensitive.
2. Exposure: The sensitized paper was placed in contact with a glass negative (usually in large format for sharp detail), and exposed to sunlight. The exposure time could be long, depending on the light intensity, usually several minutes.
3. Development and Fixing: After exposure, the print was developed in a chemical solution and then fixed to remove unexposed silver salts. This would leave the image permanently on the paper.
4. Characteristics: - Sepia Tone: Albumen prints often have a warm, sepia tone, which matches the slight yellowing visible in this photograph. - Glossy Finish: The egg white coating gives these prints a smooth and shiny finish. - Detail: This process allowed for a high level of detail, which is evident in the buildings in this photo.
Likely Timeframe: The albumen process was widely used between the 1850s and 1890s, and continued somewhat into the early 20th century.
Other early photographic techniques like gelatin silver prints became more popular after 1900.
