In this seminar we will pursue an intensive study of French photography during the 1850s and '60s, with an emphasis on the major technological innovations (the transition from paper negatives to glass, and salt prints to albumen, as well as photomechanical processes) and the intersections between photography, printmaking, and painting. We will examine the roles of government commissions, photographic societies, public exhibitions, and contemporary criticism, as well as crosscurrents between England and France. In addition to exploring commercial photography and amateurism, we will undertake in-depth analyses of the careers of Gustave Le Gray, edouard Baldus, Nadar, Charles Negre, and Charles Marville. This seminar meets in the study room of the Department of Prints, Drawings, and Photographs of the Clark Art Institute. Enrollment limit: 11, with reading knowledge of French strongly encouraged.

Hour: GANZ