anthotypes

What are they?

Sir John Herchel

        Images can be created through the use of photosensitive plant extractions painted on to a sheet of paper, dried, and then placing an object over top the paper.  When placed in the sunlight, the light bleaches away and fades the color not covered by the object creating a silhouette type negative image.  This is called an Anthotype.   

                Anthotypes were invented in 1842 Sir John Herschel, though the photosensitivity of plant extractions had been acknowledged and experimented with since 1816 by Henri August Vogel.  However, images required several days in the sunlight, sometimes longer depending on the light intensity and type of juice used, to produce an image and would fade when exposed to any sunlight after the removal of the object.  Without any commercial uses, Anthotypes were fairly ignored throughout history by being known as impractical.

 

  How are they made?

              Take any photosensitive plant with a desired color and crush them up in order to extract the necessary fluids.  Juices from fruits like raspberries and blackberries work.  Petals or leaves as well.  The fluids can be combined or used separately, depending on what a person may desire for color.  Strain the juices through a cheese cloth or strainer – just filter it in any manner so that the pulp or flesh of the plant does not come through with the juice; streaks or pieces will be left on the paper if not properly strained. If there isn't a lot of juice, some distilled water (as regular water may alter the delicate photo-sensitivity of the juices) or alcohol can be added to juices, but be careful of diluting it too much.  

                Once strained, paint the emulsion on paper.  Two to three coats have been said to work best at least.  Then dry the paper.  While it is suggested to dry it in a dark room, the length of time required to make an image is quite long and therefore not completely necessary to take such a precautions. 

fresh leaf anthotype

     Once the paper has dried, place the object over the paper and place in direct sunlight.  Any object may be used.  Leaves were common, though a fresh leaf from the tree has the tendency to sweat and create an x-ray sort of look as the water leaks out and dilutes the emulsion on the paper.

     The sun naturally moves across the sky and creates shadows so unless the object is completely flat, shadowed areas will effect the outcome of the image.

      Transparencies can be placed over top the photosensitive paper as well.  Printing out a photo negative can allow a scene more familiar with traditional photography, such as a landscape.  

Lion Statue Anthotype

    

Some websites:

http://193.166.40.90/?cat=18 - an artist's experimentation and results, including the lion statue.

http://www.alternativephotography.com/wp/processes/anthotypes/working-with-anthotypes - an individual's experience and notes on working with anthotypes, as well as some suggestions on sources of plant extracts
http://www.alternativephotography.com/wp/processes/anthotypes/anthotype-process - some information on the process and history of anthotypes
http://www.kevinlongino.com/portfolio.cfm?a=39&p=131&t=collector - artist using anthotypes