Table Set for Tea 1841 - 1842

William Henry Fox Talbot’s “Table Set for Tea” (1841-1842) is a seminal work in the history of photography. Captured using the calotype process, the image showcases a simple yet elegant table setting, featuring a teapot, cups, saucers, and a centerpiece. The composition is straightforward, highlighting the delicate details of the silver and porcelain, characteristic of Talbot’s early photographic style. The image’s faded and grainy texture, a hallmark of calotype prints, adds a sense of historical authenticity. This iconic photograph serves as a testament to Talbot’s groundbreaking contributions to the development of photography.