Beyond the first silver photographic portraits: Study of two daguerreotypes with SEM-EDX microscopy

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37558/gec.v21i1.1120
Keywords: photography, daguerreotype, portraits, scanning electron microscopy, SEM-EDX, uranium

Abstract

Daguerreotypes were the first photographic portraits and their study is essential to understand their value, their material complexity and the experimental nature of photography in its earliest period. Analytical techniques such as SEM-EDX scanning electron microscopy have been widely used for characterization, diagnosis and conservation, since they allow morphological study of their surfaces and the elemental composition that form these unique artifacts. This research analyze and discuss the results obtained with this method in two daguerreotypes which belong to engineer Gustavo Gillman’s collection, in the General Archive Region of Murcia –AGRM- and Photographic Research Laboratory in the University of Murcia –LIFUM-. The goal is to deepen understanding about their into materiality, manufacturing method, state of conservation and explore the main causes of deterioration. In addition, the presence of an unusual element in one daguerreotype as uranium is highlighted, and the role that this could play in the object is discussed.

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Author Biography

Alba Guerrero García, Universidad de Murcia

Licenciada en Bellas Artes y Doctora en Historia del Arte. Máster en Investigación y Gestión del Patrimonio Cultural por la Universidad de Murcia y Máster en Diagnóstico del Estado de Conservación del Patrimonio Histórico por la Universidad Pablo de Olavide de Sevilla, con formación adicional en conservación preventiva y conservación de materiales fotográficos. Experiencia profesional a través de programas internacionales en conservación y restauración de fotografías con programas y becas como Leonardo Da Vinci, Eurodysea, Erasmus+ y Culturex, en instituciones como el Museu de Angra do Heroismo, la Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian y empresas privadas como Lupa lda. Actualmente es Técnica de Archivo Fotográfico en el Archivo Municipal de Mazarrón y continúa con la investigación y docencia como miembro del Laboratorio de Investigación Fotográfica de la Universidad de Murcia –LIFUM-, adscrito al Departamento de Historia del Arte de dicha universidad.

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Published
2022-06-16
How to Cite
Guerrero García, A. (2022). Beyond the first silver photographic portraits: Study of two daguerreotypes with SEM-EDX microscopy. Ge-Conservacion, 21(1), 282-291. https://doi.org/10.37558/gec.v21i1.1120
Issue
Vol. 21 No. 1 (2022): Ge-conservación Nº21
Section
Suplemento
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