Crayon Portrait

Name of the process: 
Crayon Portrait
Example: 
Henry David Thoreau - 1856 Crayon Portrait

(Source - Florida Memory Project)

The crayon portrait was a weak solar enlargement of a photographic negative image that provided the base for extensive handwork by an artist in charcoal or pastel. These were usually done on matte surface paper and were often near life size. The finished piece often gives the appearance of a drawing or painting.

Date Range: 
1840-1915
Negative Used to Create Image: 
Yes
Materials Used: 
Paper, charcoal or pencil, sodium chloride, silver
Inherent Vice: 
Weak print
Looks like a drawing
All background detail is lost