‎RUSKIN, John.‎
‎Albumen Photograph of John Ruskin. ‎

‎London Elliott & Fry 1870 ‎

Reference : 2588

‎Albumen image. Profile of Ruskin. Although undated, the image would seem to be Circa 1870. Printed on mount, recto: "John Ruskin M.A., L.L.D. // Elliott & Fry Copyright 55 Baker St London W." Printed to Verso: "Elliott & Fry // Photographers // 55 Baker St, London // W." To the bottom of the verso is printed "Marion, imp Paris" and embossed "Marion & Co. London."It is also printed "No." but no number is written. The photograph was taken in 1867 when Ruskin was 48. The image is a little faded, but clearly still a portrait of Ruskin! The verso is clean. Overall in excellent condition. 165 x 110 mm (6œ x 4Œ inches). The same image is lodged with the National Portrait Gallery. Here it does not have Ruskin's name (but does have the photographer's details). This is catalogued as a carte-de-visite, and dated 1867. Presumably the photographer issued the photograph of Ruskin shortly afterwards. This is referenced NPG Ax39887. The Albumen Process was developed in 1847, and was the first commercially exploitable method of producing a photographic print on a paper base from a negative. It was the dominant form of photographic positive until the turn of the century.‎