The invention of photography and 19th century photos
Two centuries ago, Nicéphore Niépce captured the very first picture in France using a pewter plate. This marked the dawn of early photographic techniques and photography as a whole. Shortly after, Louis-Jacques-Mandé Daguerre introduced the daguerreotype, a process allowing permanent image fixation. Their combined innovations spread globally after being adopted by the French government, making way for the first daguerreotypes in the U.S. in 1939.
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A skewed historical record in historical photography
While photography emerged well before the American Civil War, its cost restricted access to wealthy white communities. This has skewed the visual historical record, omitting candid images of diverse lives due to the lengthy exposure times required for clear photographs.
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The National Gallery of Art seeks to address this gap with its exhibition, “Remember Me: Picturing African Americans in Early Photography.” This collection presents a vivid array of 19th century photos and photographic formats like daguerreotypes, tintypes, and ambrotypes—some colorized—that portray the rich experiences of Black Americans from that era.
A celebration of self-expression captured in vintage imagery
Ornate folding cases protected many early, fragile photographs. These, along with cabinet cards and portraits by notable Black photographers like James Van Der Zee, are integral to the exhibition. Van Der Zee, known for his Harlem studio, exemplified the entrepreneurial talents of Black artists in the early 20th century.
The exhibition experience
The exhibition highlights around 70 works that focus on African American self-expression and creativity. “Remember Me” opens on November 7 and runs through March 14 in Washington, D.C., offering a profound glimpse into historical narratives often overlooked through classic photography. Discover more at the National Gallery of Art.
Source: thisiscolossal.com
Frequently asked questions
What is the ‘Remember Me’ exhibition about?
The ‘Remember Me’ exhibition is about picturing African Americans in early photography. It presents a vivid array of 19th century photos and photographic formats like daguerreotypes, tintypes, and ambrotypes that portray the rich experiences of Black Americans from that era.
When does the ‘Remember Me’ exhibition take place?
The ‘Remember Me’ exhibition opens on November 7 and runs through March 14 in Washington, D.C.
How did early photography impact diverse communities?
The cost of early photography restricted access to wealthy white communities, skewing the visual historical record and omitting candid images of diverse lives. The National Gallery of Art seeks to address this gap with its exhibition.