Cibachrome Prints

Cibachrome, a positive-to-positive photographic process used for reproducing film transparencies onto photographic paper, is considered by many as the most stunning hand color printing process in fine art photography. This unique process produces photographic prints with extremely deep and vibrant colors that will nearly never fade, making it a revered process among photography collectors.

The cibachrome method was engineered by the Ciba Geigy Corporation in Switzerland in the '60s and uses 13 layers of azo dyes sealed in a polyester base. Many respected artists such as Nan Goldin and Louise Lawler have worked with the cibachrome printing process.

Though cibachrome photographs are distinct among color photography methods, many find it to be a tedious and difficult process. A challenging problem for many artists working with cibachrome is controlling the image contrast. It is perhaps because of this difficulty that cibachrome prints were discontinued in 2012, making them even rarer today.

Quick Facts

• The use of precious raw silver metals within the photographic emulsion allows for the fade-resistant image quality of cibachrome prints
• Nan Goldin's "Misty & Jimmy Paulette in a Taxi, NYC" sold for $43,750 in May 2012 at Christie's New York
• Matthew Barney's "Cremaster 4: The Isle of Man" sold for $245,000 at Sotheby's New York in May 2014