Redefining the origins of photomechanical printing: etching, electrotyping and multiplying daguerreotypes in Europe from 1839 to 1860

我对知识的最初贡献是挑战摄影史上的一个基本“给定”：15 / 33的共同概念，即达盖尔照相法的独特性。这种理解来自于照相底片是单独准备和在相机中曝光的，不可能有多张照片。然而，在1839年至1860年之间，至少有40名从业者实践了将达盖尔照相术转换成印刷板的方法，以在纸上用墨水创建图像：它们被蚀刻，雕刻，电镀，电铸，或者图像被转移到明胶或石膏中。这使得图像的倍增与可能被认为是最早的照相印刷工艺。事实上，转换后的银版照相术为后来的照相凹版印刷、照相平版印刷和凸版印刷奠定了基础。因此，我认为，银版照相术的独特性的概念需要修改。为了验证这一假设，我的方法将包括历史文献研究和文物收藏中的原始材料的检查，其次是动手再创造的过程，最后是比较仪器分析，以研究印刷技术之间的物理差异。DMU摄影史研究中心通过广泛的专业图书馆为该项目带来了该领域的国际卓越。由Kelley怀尔德，Joanne Horton和Haida Liang分别在摄影和科学史，19世纪电镀和艺术材料的仪器分析方面拥有专业知识的监督将提供一个独特的广泛和具体的学术和实践为基础的研究卓越的融合，这是无与伦比的。

My original contribution to knowledge is to challenge a fundamental 'given' in photographic history: the 15 / 33 common concept of the daguerreotype's uniqueness. This understanding derives from the photographic plates being individually prepared and exposed in the camera, and no multiple prints being possible. However, at least 40 practitioners between 1839 and 1860 practiced methods of converting daguerreotypes into printing plates for creating images in ink on paper: they were etched, engraved, electroplated, electrotyped, or the image was transferred in gelatine or cast in plaster. This enabled the multiplication of images with what might be considered the earliest photomechanical printing processes. The converted aguerreotype, in fact, set the stage for the later photogravure, photolithography, and relief printing. I therefore argue that the concept of the daguerreotype's uniqueness needs revision. To test this hypothesis, my methodology will consist of historical literature research and examination of original materials in heritage collections, followed by hands-on re-creation of the processes, and finally comparative instrumental analysis to study the physical differences between printing techniques. The DMU Photographic History Research Centre brings to the project international excellence in this field with an extensive specialised library. Supervision by Kelley Wilder, Joanne Horton and Haida Liang with expertise respectively in history of photography and science, 19th century electroplating and instrumental analysis of art materials will provide a unique blend of broad and specific academic and practice-based research excellence that is unrivalled.