This blog is about
Louis Daguerre
Louis Daguerre was born in 18 November 1787 and died in 10 July 1851 was a French artist and physicist, recognized for his invention of the daguerreotype process of photography.
He became known as one of the fathers of photography. Though he is most famous for his contributions to photography, he was also an accomplished painter and a developer of the diorama theatre.
BiographyDaguerre was born in Cormeilles-en-Parisis, Val-dÓise, France.
He apprenticed in architecture theatre design, and panoramic painting with Pierre Prevost, the first French panorama painter. Exceedingly adept at his skill of theatrical illusion, he became a celebrated designer for the theatre and later came to invent the Diorama, which opened in Paris in July 1822.
In 1829, Daguerre partnered with Nicephore Niepce, an inventor who had
produced the world's first heliograph in 1822 and the first permanent camera photograph
four years later. Niépce died suddenly in 1833, but Daguerre continued
experimenting and evolved the process which would subsequently be known as the
Daguerreotype.
Facts
Daguerre died on 10 July 1851 of a heart attack in Bry-sur-Marne, 12 km from Paris.
A monument marks his grave there.
Daguerre's name is one of the 72 names inscribed on the Eiffel tower.
Daguerre died on 10 July 1851 of a heart attack in Bry-sur-Marne, 12 km from Paris.
A monument marks his grave there.
Daguerre's name is one of the 72 names inscribed on the Eiffel tower.
Development of the Daguerreotype“Boulevard du Temple”, taken by Daguerre in 1838 in Paris, includes the earliest known photograph of a person. The image shows a street, but because of the over ten minute exposure time the moving traffic does not appear. At the lower left, however, a man apparently having his boots polished, and the bootblack polishing them, were motionless enough for their images to be captured.
Diorama Theatres
In the spring of 1821, Daguerre partnered with Charles Bouton with the common goal of creating a Diorama theatre. Daguerre had expertise in lighting and scenic effects, and Bouton was the more experienced painter. Together they made an astounding team. Their strengths made extraordinary contributions to art, theatre, and science. However, Bouton eventually withdraws, and Daguerre acquires sole responsibility of the diorama theatre.
In the spring of 1821, Daguerre partnered with Charles Bouton with the common goal of creating a Diorama theatre. Daguerre had expertise in lighting and scenic effects, and Bouton was the more experienced painter. Together they made an astounding team. Their strengths made extraordinary contributions to art, theatre, and science. However, Bouton eventually withdraws, and Daguerre acquires sole responsibility of the diorama theatre.
The first diorama theatre was built in Paris, adjacent to Daguerre’s
studio. The first exhibit opened July 11th, 1822 showing two tableaux, one by
Daguerre and one by Bouton.
This would become a pattern. Each exhibition would typically have two tableaux: one by Daguerre and Bouton each. Also, one would be an interior depiction, and the other would be a landscape. Daguerre hoped to create a realistic illusion for an audience.
He wanted audiences to not only be entertained, but also awe-struck.
The diorama theatres were magnificent in size.
A large translucent canvas, measuring around 70ft wide and 45ft tall, was painted on both sides. These paintings were vivid and detailed pictures and were lit from different angles. As the lights changed, the scene would transform. The audience would begin to see the painting on the other side of the screen. The effect was awe-inspiring.
This would become a pattern. Each exhibition would typically have two tableaux: one by Daguerre and Bouton each. Also, one would be an interior depiction, and the other would be a landscape. Daguerre hoped to create a realistic illusion for an audience.
He wanted audiences to not only be entertained, but also awe-struck.
The diorama theatres were magnificent in size.
A large translucent canvas, measuring around 70ft wide and 45ft tall, was painted on both sides. These paintings were vivid and detailed pictures and were lit from different angles. As the lights changed, the scene would transform. The audience would begin to see the painting on the other side of the screen. The effect was awe-inspiring.
