Le Gray’s seascapes

About the project

Le Gray made his large seascapes with the then customary wet collodion plate negatives printed on albumen paper. His photographs are well known for their short exposure times and rendering of dramatic cloudscapes and were unique for the period. This research project will include reconstructions using the formulations and technique available to Le Gray. This could make it possible to understand for the first time how he set about making his photographs. Different aspects of his process will be investigated, such as the cameras, lenses and shutter mechanisms he used. Various recipes will be tested, and the chemical processing of the photographs will be studied. Finally, the different ways of combining sky and sea in a single print will be explored.

Aim of the project

This research project should give us a better understanding of how Le Gray already managed to create such technically and aesthetically challenging photographs back in the middle of the 19th century. Modern seascape photographs will be made with the various investigated options after the completion of the experimental phase of the project. The results of the project will be shared with conservators, curators and collectors and can be used as input for further research in collections worldwide.

Related events

• The Rijksmuseum will organise a one-day event for conservators, curators and collectors.

Partners and sponsors

This project is also made possible by the Seascape fund/Rijksmuseum fund.

In this project we are collaborating with Christian Klant, a photographer and researcher in Berlin. He is a specialist in the use of wet collodion plates and will undertake this study as an external researcher.

Publications

• S. Aubenas. Gustave le Gray 1820-1844. Los Angeles: J. Paul Getty Museum, 2002;
• E.P. Janis, The Photography of Gustave Le Gray. Chicago: The Art Institute of Chicago, 1987.