In contrast to the calotype which was invented by William Fox Talbot and uses a paper negative, there is also another early type of photography - daguerreotype - in which the image is exposed directly onto a metal plate. Developed by Louis Daguerre, the daguerreotype is a negative image, which, thanks to the surface of the plate, appears to be positive in the proper light. Another feature of the process is that the resulting image cannot be duplicated. Current exhibition at the Musée d'Orsay looks at the aesthetic quality of daguerreotype through the various subjects depicted in the images. This is an excursus of the history, development and spread of the photographic method which is still practiced by some 100 photographers worldwide. The exhibition is opened until 7 September 2008.
2008.06.02