It is hard to believe that photography has only been around for less than 200 years; before that we had to rely on the accuracy of artists to depict the life they saw around them. Photography as we know it began in 1839 in France, first with the daguerrotype and then with paper negatives. There is something about old photographs that we find intriguing; they are a glimpse into a world that is no more, which is why such images are reproduced by postcard printing companies in Edmonton and across Canada.
The Art Gallery of Alberta in Edmonton is presenting the exhibit 19th Century French Photographs from September 24, 2011 until January 29, 2012. The exhibit will be organized by the National Library of Canada. It will present 66 photographs from the first decade of French photography; it will also feature several examples of the early 20th century work of Eugene Atget.
Among other photographers featured in the exhibit are Edouard Baldus, Gustav Le Gray, Charles Marville and Auguste Salzmann; all of the photographers features are recognized masters in their craft. The photography techniques that will be highlighted in this exhibit are daguerreotypes, salted paper, albumen silver and photogravure.
The Art Gallery of Alberta is open from Tuesday to Friday from 11 am until 7 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm. Admission to the gallery is $12.50 for adults, $8.50 for students and seniors, $26.50 for a family of 2 adults and 4 minors and free for children 6 and under.
