Mr. and Mrs. S. Maudson Grant 19th-20th century

Frederick H. Evans made this photographic portrait of Mr. and Mrs. S. Maudson Grant using the platinum printing process. Platinum prints like this one involved coating paper with light-sensitive chemicals and platinum salts before being exposed to light through a negative. The platinum then becomes embedded in the paper fibers, creating a matte surface with a wide tonal range from warm browns to cool grays. The choice of platinum over silver, which was more common, speaks to a desire for permanence and artistic effect. Platinum prints are known for their stability, resisting fading and discoloration over time, an implicit challenge to the ephemeral nature of human life. The labor involved in preparing the paper and carefully controlling the printing process also aligns the photograph with traditions of craft. While photography was becoming increasingly industrialized, Evans embraced a more hands-on approach, emphasizing the unique qualities of the medium and aligning photography with artistic practices. By valuing the material qualities of platinum and the careful labor involved, Evans elevated photography from a mere reproductive tool to a respected art form.