Processes > Autochrome

Autochrome

1907–1934

Invented by Auguste and Louis Lumière in 1903 and released to the public in 1907, autochromes offered the first practically applicable color-photography process. The plates—unique color positive transparencies viewed against diffuse light or projected—were created by layering potato starch particles that had been dyed red-orange, green, and blue-violet between glass and light-sensitive black-and-white emulsion. When exposed in the camera, light passed through the colored grains, selectively exposing the emulsion beneath. While regular processing would result in a negative image, reversal development inverted the areas of dark and light, creating a positive image. When the finished autochrome is viewed, the dyed starch particles act as tiny light filters, creating the appearance of a full-color image. Although praised by Stieglitz and Steichen for their luminosity, autochromes were difficult to duplicate and exhibit and therefore fell out of favor with the advent of color film.

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Edward Steichen

Clara Steichen with Bowl of Oranges, 1907

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Edward Steichen

Still Life with Rodin Statue, 1907

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Edward Steichen

Girl with Lilacs, c. 1907

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attributed to Frank Eugene

Emmeline Stieglitz, 1907

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attributed to Frank Eugene

Kitty Stieglitz in a Field with Blue Flowers, 1907

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Artist unknown

Untitled, c. 1907

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Alfred Stieglitz

Frank Eugene Seated at Table, 1907

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Alfred Stieglitz

Dr. Fritz Raab: Sunspots, 1907

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Alfred Stieglitz

Mrs. Edward Stieglitz, 1907

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Alfred Stieglitz

Kitty Stieglitz, c. 1907

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Alfred Stieglitz

Kitty Stieglitz, c. 1907

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Alfred Stieglitz

Kitty Stieglitz, c. 1907

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Alfred Stieglitz

Child with Striped Dress (Younger Raab Child), 1907

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