Art & Art History ETDs

Publication Date

5-19-1972

Abstract

Crystalline beauty which fades and reappears with each slight turn of the band; frozen faces whose every wrinkle and subtle curve of the lips can be examined; a watch or necklace or lace dress seen with utmost clarity: this is the beauty of daguerreotypes. Long exposure, careful development on a polished surface, and the absence of an intervening negative contribute to the timeless quality of these tiny pictures which awakened the world to a whole new visual medium. Little touching up as done and tinting was used with great gentleness. Composition was direct and simple, perhaps bordering on monotony, but the best struck one as a direct expression of the sitter. There was no time for a quick smile which fades with the click of the shutter - the exposures were too long. Brassai speaks beautifully of the picture making event which retained its specialness until the wide use of fast cameras.

Language

English

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Arts

Level of Degree

Masters

Department Name

UNM Department of Art and Art History

First Committee Member (Chair)

James Norman Kraft, Jr.

Second Committee Member

Wayne Roderic Lazorik

Third Committee Member

Richard Rudisill

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