Cleaning Daguerreotypes

Barger, M. Susan; Giri, A. P.; White, William B.; Edmondson, Thomas M.

doi:10.2307/1505955

Cited by 3 publications

(4 citation statements)

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“…Despite being placed within a frame and behind cover glass for protection, these metallic plates are prone to corrosion [6][7][8], often in the form of white (silver chloride (AgCl)), brown/red (copper oxide (Cu 2 O)), and/or black films (copper oxide (CuO), copper sulfide (CuS), silver sulfide (Ag 2 S), silver sulfate (Ag 2 SO 4 ), and silver oxide (Ag 2 O)), which distort and can sometimes completely obscure the photographic image [9,10]. The conservation of daguerreotypes has been a long-standing topic of discussion and, at times, has been a point of contention [11]. The goal of a conservation-based cleaning treatment for a daguerreotype is to preserve the optical integrity of the image while removing the tarnish from the surface (i.e., regions of high particle density remain intact and particles retain their original shape and areas of low image particle density maintain their smooth, mirror finish).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The goal of a conservation-based cleaning treatment for a daguerreotype is to preserve the optical integrity of the image while removing the tarnish from the surface (i.e., regions of high particle density remain intact and particles retain their original shape and areas of low image particle density maintain their smooth, mirror finish). A treatment process that is controllable and somewhat forgiving is highly desirable [11]. Given the inherent individuality of each daguerreotype and their variable chemistry, which depends on but is not limited to their production, how they have been stored and handled, and any past conservation efforts, treating daguerreotypes is a challenge and some treatment methods have caused the fading and/or complete loss of historic images.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…It was observed that when this technique was applied to daguerreotypes, the lack of control and selectivity, resulted in surface etching that degraded a plate's optical properties, the formation of measles on the surface (for thiourea cleaning specifically), and the development of silver cyanide and silver-thiourea complexes, which are extremely detrimental to the daguerreotype surface. Other methods for daguerreotype treatments that have been explored have included sputter cleaning [11], the application of excimer lasers [12], and atmospheric pressure non-equilibrium plasma [13]. Generally, in the museum setting, rinsing with an ammonium solution [14] and the replacement of the 19th century cover glass [11] are the only performed procedures.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Other methods for daguerreotype treatments that have been explored have included sputter cleaning [11], the application of excimer lasers [12], and atmospheric pressure non-equilibrium plasma [13]. Generally, in the museum setting, rinsing with an ammonium solution [14] and the replacement of the 19th century cover glass [11] are the only performed procedures.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Recovering Past Reflections: X-ray Fluorescence Imaging of Electrocleaned 19th Century Daguerreotypes

et al. 2019

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The first commercially viable photographic image, the daguerreotype, captured images for a span of approximately 20 years . DeDterioration now disfigures many of these valuable images. One proposed restoration method is an electrochemical process. However, its safety and effectiveness are still under debate within the conservation community as the effects of this treatment, and its physical and chemical impact on the daguerreotype image, have not yet been analyzed in depth. This study used synchrotron-based micro-X-ray fluorescence to map the elemental distribution pre-and post-electrocleaning on 19th century daguerreotypes using both soft and hard incident X-rays. X-ray absorption spectroscopy was used to probe local chemistry before and after cleaning. Two different electro-treatment methods were compared: the original method proposed by Barger and a second put forward by Wei. When used correctly, both processes significantly reduced the S and Cl surface contamination without dulling the surface. However, both electrochemical methods used in this study resulted in a loss of Hg and Au from the surface. In all cases, the Hg distribution tracks with image particle density allowing the retrieval of full portraits from entirely corroded daguerreotypes, suggesting that Hg concentration may be a useful proxy for the original image.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Recovering Past Reflections: X-ray Fluorescence Imaging of Electrocleaned 19th Century Daguerreotypes

et al. 2019

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The daguerreotype surface as a SERS substrate: characterization of image deterioration in plates from the 19th century studio of Southworth & Hawes

Centeno

Meller

Kennedy

et al. 2008

J Raman Spectroscopy

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Dramatic condition changes were noted in a group of daguerreotypes during a 10 month-long exhibition featuring masterworks of the prominent Boston-based studio of Southworth & Hawes. The changes took the form of a hazy, extended white surface layer and of white spots that partially obscured the images after between four weeks and 10 months of exhibition. Raman spectroscopy, complemented by in situ scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (SEM-EDS), was used to nondestructively characterize this form of image deterioration in eight representative daguerreotypes from the studio. Raman proved to be a sensitive technique to noninvasively identify the compounds on the plates due to the fact that their Ag surfaces behave as surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates. A band at ca 242 cm −1 assigned to the Ag-Cl stretching mode was observed in the areas where a white surface layer or white spots are present. In some of the areas probed, substituted aromatic compounds were also detected. The presence of Ag-Cl bonds on daguerreotype surfaces has profound implications for their exhibition and preservation due to the photosensitivity of silver chloride in the ultraviolet-visible range, which can generate metallic silver that would redeposit on the surfaces. The possible sources of the compounds detected on the surfaces of the plates are discussed.

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Corrosion of silver in environment containing halides, pseudohalides, or thiourea

Švadlena

Voráčová

Stoulil

2020

Materials & Corrosion

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Many studies of silver corrosion have been focused on indoor sulfur-containing atmospheres. However, significant corrosion damage of silver can also occur in the presence of other corrosion stimulants, such as halides, pseudohalides, or thiourea. These environments pose a specific threat for historical silver objects like daguerreotypes or coins, for example, during incorrect storing or cleaning method. To better characterize the silver corrosion caused by the solutions, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and electrical resistance technique were used. EIS measurements show that the dissolution of silver in tested solutions is mainly controlled by diffusion, suggesting the formation of a layer on the sample surface. For the electrical resistance technique, two different setups with electrical resistance probes were used: in saturated solutions and in atmospheric conditions simulating corrosion under deposits. In the latter setup, the corrosion rates decreased after a certain amount of time which can be explained by the presence of a salt layer (as suggested from EIS results). Regardless of the arrangement, cyanide and thiourea environment resulted in the highest corrosion rates.

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Cleaning Daguerreotypes

Cited by 3 publications

References 0 publications

Recovering Past Reflections: X-ray Fluorescence Imaging of Electrocleaned 19th Century Daguerreotypes

Recovering Past Reflections: X-ray Fluorescence Imaging of Electrocleaned 19th Century Daguerreotypes

The daguerreotype surface as a SERS substrate: characterization of image deterioration in plates from the 19th century studio of Southworth & Hawes

Corrosion of silver in environment containing halides, pseudohalides, or thiourea

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