Ergänzung und Retusche von Fotografien auf Silbergelatinepapier

Abstract

Completion and retouching photographs on silver gelatine paper

The aesthetical aspect of historical photographic prints is framed by various components for instance the tonality of the image and the surface characteristics. Today we are not sensible of the variety of historical photographic paper surfaces, even though we are fascinated of their individual appearance. Our senses have to attune to the fine differences, because with modern papers we only get in contact with glossy or mat surfaces. Terms like “photo paper”, “silver gelatine paper” and “baryta paper” are not describing the vast variety of photo paper types and their differing characteristics. Only the closer focused look enables to reveal the differing surface characteristics. For a responsible conservation the nature of photography on silver gelatine paper must be perceived by the conservator. In responce to that problem I examine in my diploma thesis historical photo paper surfaces. The visualized and described results are presented in form of an ‚Atlas of photographs’ surfaces’, which could be used for identifying and dating silver gelatine prints by reference. Furthermore the results of the surface examination carried out a new methodical approach for integrating processes like infilling and retouching.