The lecture by photographer Christian Klant presents his pioneering research into the materials and working methods used by Le Gray in his iconic 1850s seascapes.
In 2018 the Rijksmuseum received its first Le Gray seascape print, opening fresh opportunities to explore his process.
Le Gray travelled from Normandy to the Mediterranean, setting up a large-format camera and mobile darkroom on beaches and cliffs, often shooting directly into the sun.
His advanced technique enabled him to photograph dramatic skies, sparkling sea surfaces and ships on the horizon with surprisingly short exposures—a major feat given the limitations of his period’s photographic materials.
Although much has been written about his work, key aspects of Le Gray’s methods remained unexplained until now; Klant’s project is the first by a practitioner (rather than a historian) to experiment hands-on.
Backed by the Theo Appeldoorn Seascape Fund/Rijksmuseum Fonds, the results promise new insight into how this important photographer achieved his effects.