Cypripedium acaule- Moccasin Flower 1931

This platinum print, "Cypripedium acaule- Moccasin Flower," was made by Edwin Hale Lincoln. The platinum print process, popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, involved coating paper with a light-sensitive emulsion containing platinum salts, then exposing it to light through a negative. The resulting image is characterized by its delicate tonal range, and permanence. Lincoln's choice of platinum printing speaks to a desire to elevate photography to the level of fine art, which at the time was struggling for legitimacy. Unlike mass-produced photographic prints, platinum prints were prized for their handcrafted quality and artistic merit. This image required careful attention to detail and mastery of the printing process. By embracing platinum printing, Lincoln aligned himself with a movement that valued craftsmanship and artistic expression within the burgeoning field of photography.