Camera and steam power, 1871

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Camera and steam power, 1871

Camera and steam power. 19th-century artwork of a crowd of people queuing to be photographed by a large camera, with a steam engine (steam visible) behind it. Prints were developed in the adjoining hut and handed to customers as they descended the steps at left. The photographic method most commonly in use at the time was the collodion wet plate process, where the film was coated, exposed and developed within a period of around 15 minutes. Steam engine technology advanced rapidly in the 19th century. This lithograph was drawn by H. G. Webber and published in 1871 by Gibson and Company of Cincinnati, Ohio, USA

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Media ID 9217079

© LIBRARY OF CONGRESS/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

1870s 1871 Amazement Attraction Booth Camera Crowd Culture Curiosity Curious Customer Demonstration Developed Large Lithograph Ohio Outdoors Outside Photographer Photographic Photographing Photography Printed Prints Queue Society Steam Steam Engine Steam Power Steam Powered Amazed Customers Novelty Queuing

EDITORS COMMENTS
This lithograph from 1871, titled "Camera and Steam Power" offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of photography in the 19th century. The artwork depicts a bustling crowd eagerly queuing to be photographed by a large camera, while behind it stands an impressive steam engine emitting visible plumes of steam. As customers descend the steps on the left side, prints are developed in an adjoining hut and handed out to them. During this era, the collodion wet plate process was widely used for photography. This method involved coating, exposing, and developing film within a relatively short span of around 15 minutes. Meanwhile, advancements in steam engine technology were rapidly transforming society. Drawn by H. G. Webber and published by Gibson and Company of Cincinnati, Ohio, USA. , this lithograph captures both the technological marvels of its time as well as human curiosity towards new inventions. The scene showcases men and women alike captivated by this novel attraction. The monochrome illustration evokes a sense of amazement as people witness firsthand how steam power drives not only locomotives but also photographic processes. It serves as a testament to how technology shapes our lives and sparks wonder among individuals from all walks of life. Preserved by the Library of Congress, this historical artwork provides us with valuable insights into the intersection between artistry, science, culture, and progress during one pivotal moment in history - when cameras clicked alongside roaring engines powered by steam.

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