Florida Memory, Division of Library and Information Services
Florida Memory, Division of Library & Information Services

Albumen Prints

Period of Use: 1850 - ca. 1890

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Example of albumen

The Albumen print was the most common photographic print used in the nineteenth century, and represents 80% of all surviving 19th century photographs. Albumen prints can vary in color from purple to chocolate brown. They fade to yellow, and the highlights are often yellow. Because the paper was extremely thin, albumen prints were almost always placed on a thick mount. Unmounted prints would curl, crack and/or tear easily.

Example of albumen
Example of albumen
Example of albumen

Albumen Prints come in a variety of sizes:

Carte de Visite

Cabinet

Promenade

Boudoir

Imperial

Panel 1 1/2" x 2 1/2"

6 1/2" x 4 1/2"

7 1/2" x 3 3/4"

8 1/4" x 5"

10" x 7"

13" x 8"