The First Photograph
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Conservation and Preservation
Ransom Center photograph conservator Barbara Brown positioning the First
Photograph before the Kevex® X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) Spectrometer
in the materials science lab at the Getty Conservation Institute.
GCI Senior Scientist Dusan Stulik, and Barbara Brown before the display
screen of the XRF spectrometer, assessing the elemental spectra being
recorded.
GCI Scientist, Herant Khanjian, and Barbara Brown positioning the First
Photograph for reflectance FTIR analysis.
GCI Scientist Herant Khanjian examining the bitumen layer of the First
Photograph.
The Niépce heliograph, "View from the Window at Le Gras"—more popularly known as the First Photograph—was first housed in a sealed, protective case with an oxygen-free atmosphere shortly after its acquisition by The University of Texas in the mid-1960s. Initially the inert gas nitrogen was used in the protective case; later, in 1994 and 2003, argon was used. During 2002-2003, the Harry Ransom Center and the Getty Conservation Institute (GCI) undertook a collaborative project to examine the protective case and analyze the components of the heliograph. As part of this project the GCI also designed and had constructed a new, state-of-the-art museum case with an oxygen-free environment in which to house and preserve the First Photograph.
Ransom Center photograph conservator, Barbara Brown, worked with GCI Senior Scientist, Dr. Dusan Stulik, and other Getty scientists and staff to examine the heliograph and its components. Before opening the old protective case, samples of the atmosphere inside the case were taken. The samples were then analyzed to determine their composition. The results revealed that the internal atmosphere was basically that of the ambient environment—confirming suspicions that the seal on the old case had not functioned as well as intended. This is not a problem with the new, oxygen-free, protective case constructed by GCI for the heliograph.
Several non-invasive (non-destructive), analytical tests were conducted on the heliograph plate itself, including XRF (x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy) and reflectance FTIR (Fourier Transform Infra-Red spectroscopy). XRF examination confirmed our previous understanding about the composition of the plate, conclusively showing that the metal is pewter (an alloy of tin plus some lead, with—in this instance—traces of iron, copper and nickel), and not pure tin or some other metal. The bitumen image layer on the plate was examined in several areas using reflectance FTIR. The Getty scientists compared these spectra with those from other, known samples of the material and found it to be consistent with bitumen of Judea, further confirming our understanding of the heliograph's composition. Other non-destructive analyses included microscopic examination and digital microphotography of the heliograph's surface. Visible reflectance spectroscopy of the bitumen layer was carried out using a scanning spectrophotometer, which also did not require sampling of the heliograph. The scientists are currently further analyzing the spectra and data obtained during these examinations, and will be providing more information as it becomes available. While the heliograph was out of its frame, Getty Museum photographers devoted their expertise, facilities, and a day and a half of their time to capturing the elusive image of the heliograph through both large format film and high-resolution digital photography.
Conservators at the Getty repaired the gilt wood frame while the new protective case was being constructed. General initial examination of the frame by conservator Gene Karraker at the Getty Museum indicated that it dates stylistically to the time period (ca1795-ca1820s, French Directoire and Empire periods) in which the heliograph was made. This information is consistent with previous observations about the structure of the framed heliograph, and provides additional supporting evidence to the date and provenance of the piece.
This joint project between the Harry Ransom Center and GCI is the first time and opportunity there has been to conduct a scientific analysis of the heliograph and its components. In addition, it also provided an almost unique opportunity to learn more about the heliographic process and this object itself, as well as its condition and requirements for long-term preservation. Preservation of the First Photograph has contributed to its current presentation and to making the experience of viewing the image more feasible and accessible.
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