[Young Man] 1846 - 1849

Calvert Richard Jones created this photograph, "[Young Man]," using the calotype process, a very early form of photography. This process involved coating paper with silver iodide, exposing it in a camera, and then developing the latent image. The calotype's paper negative gives this image its distinctive soft focus and slightly grainy texture. This is unlike the sharper daguerreotypes, which were made on metal. Notice the texture of the paper itself, and the way the chemicals have interacted with it, creating a unique visual effect. The process wasn't easily repeatable. Each print involved a lot of handwork, and the results were never quite the same. The image feels like a blend of science and art, a testament to photography's early days. It reminds us that even the most cutting-edge technologies rely on handwork, skill, and a deep understanding of materials. Jones was not just documenting the world, but actively shaping it through his engagement with the calotype.