Photograph by Ed Pollard, Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II digital slr-2008.

Untitled (Sky study)

Artist Charles Marville (Charles François Bossu) (French, 1816-1879)

CultureFrench

Dateca. 1855-56

MediumSalted paper print from paper negative

DimensionsOverall, Image: 6 × 8 3/16 in. (15.2 × 20.8 cm)
Overall: 10 1/4 × 12 5/8 in. (26 × 32.1 cm)
Overall, Mat: 16 × 20 in. (40.6 × 50.8 cm)
Overall, Frame: 17 1/4 × 21 1/4 × 1 1/4 in. (43.8 × 54 × 3.2 cm)

InscribedStamped below the image: "CH. Marville, Paris"

Credit LineGift of Joyce F. and Robert B. Menschel

Object number2007.12.66

On View

Chrysler Museum of Art, Gallery 228

DescriptionThis print is of a landscape. Land is in the lower frame and a group of trees is at the right. A cloudy sky takes up most of the photograph.

Label TextCharles Marville [Charles-François Bossu] French, 1813–1879 Untitled (Sky study), ca. 1855–56 Salted paper print from paper negative Charles Marville’s rare studies of clouds were experiments intended to solve a problem: emulsions sensitive to the blue end of the spectrum created opaque areas on the negative that printed as unattractive, white skies. For this trial print, Marville briefly exposed the image to preserve tonal contrast between clouds and sky, and then underexposed the foreground. Photographers with artistic training,such as Marville, frequently retouched negatives with wash or pencil, which may have contributed to the atmospheric effect in this print. Gift of Joyce F. and Robert B. Menschel 2007.12.66 ProvenanceCollection of Robert B. and Joyce F. Menschel, New York; Chrysler Museum of Art, Norfolk, Virginia, Gift of Joyce F. and Robert B. Menschel, 2007 Exhibition History"New Frames of Reference: Early French Photographers at Home and Abroad," Chrysler Museum of Art, Norfolk, Va, gallery 228, September 5, 2024 - February 16, 2025.