Description
The Captive Gaze
Book Summary
This catalog accompanies the exhibition of the same name held at the KBr Photography Center of Fundación MAPFRE, dedicated to the daguerreotype, the first photographic process in history. Through a carefully curated selection of pieces and technological material from the era, the work transports the reader to the origins of the captured image. A visual and documentary journey that reveals the fascination with fixing reality, showcasing both original daguerreotypes and the instruments that made photography possible in its early days.
What is it about?
The work explores the phenomenon of the daguerreotype, a process that marked the birth of photography in the 19th century. Based on the exhibited pieces, the book analyzes how this technique, which allowed for unique and detailed images on silver-plated copper plates, captivated the society of its time. Portraits, urban views, and still lifes are presented, along with cameras, cases, and tools used by the first daguerreotypists. The publication, in collaboration with the CRDI and the Museu del Cinema de Girona, contextualizes the cultural and technical impact of this method, offering a privileged look at the dawn of photography.
Main themes
- History of the daguerreotype as the first commercial photographic process.
- Evolution of photographic technology in the 19th century.
- Collection of original daguerreotypes and their heritage value.
- Historical instruments and equipment related to image capture.
- Cultural and social context of the beginnings of photography.
Who is it recommended for?
This book is aimed at photography enthusiasts and professionals interested in the technical and artistic origins of the medium. It is also of great value to art historians, collectors, and students who wish to delve into the history of the image. Furthermore, it appeals to readers curious about visual heritage and the development of techniques for reproducing reality.
What this book offers
- Access to a unique selection of daguerreotypes and technological material from the era.
- Detailed understanding of the daguerreotype process and its historical relevance.
- Contextualization of the birth of photography through a documented exhibition.
- A visual experience that connects the reader with the first steps of image capture.
Technical specifications
- Author: Boadas Raset, Joan; Cartier-Bresson, Anne; Garcia Felguera
- Publisher: Fundación Mapfre
- Language: Spanish
- Subject: Photographs: portraits, photographic equipment and techniques, special types of photography
- Collection: Exhibition catalog
- Publication date: March 2021
- Number of pages: 160
- Weight: 631 g
Editorial review
The Captive Gaze is a reference work for those who wish to delve into the origins of photography from a museological and technical perspective. Its content, backed by specialized institutions, offers a balance between documentary value and visual quality. Recommended for readers looking for a rigorous and aesthetic approach to the daguerreotype, without renouncing the fascination sparked by the first images fixed by light.