Lot 25: HIPPOLYTE BAYARD, 1801-1887 STILL LIFE WITH STATUARY, EARLY 1850S

Albumen Print from Glass Negative, mounted at each corner to card, monogrammed 'H.B.' in the negative,

LITERATURE AND REFERENCES

Studies of casts from Bayard's studio were amongst his very earliest subjects when he first experimented with his direct positive process in 1839 and 1840. He went on in the 40s and 50s to make a number of still life studies, together with photographs of his studio that include objects that featured in the still lifes.

For an inventory of items of statuary and ornaments incorporated by Bayard in his still lifes and an analysis of their symbolism, see: J-C. Gautrand & M. Frizot, Hippolyte Bayard, Naissance de l'image photographique, Amiens: Trois Cailloux, 1986, pp. 83-6. See also pls. 4-8 and 14 for still life and other studies incorporating these items.

For a full account of the significance of this work in the context of Bayard's career, and a record of other prints that have appeared at auction, see Sotheby's New York, 7th October 1998, lot 8. The print offered as lot 8 was described as an 'albumenized salt print'. The print offered here does not have a glossy surface but has been catalogued as an 'albumen print' as there is a sheen to the surface when viewed in a raking light.
CATALOGUE NOTE

There are two prints of this image in the collection of the Société française de la photographie.

266 by 205mm