Diaphanotype

/dɪˈæfənətaɪp/ noun

Definition

A photographic image or artwork created on a transparent or translucent material, designed to be viewed by transmitted light or projected onto a surface.

Etymology

From Greek 'diaphanês' (transparent) + '-type' (from 'typos' meaning impression or image). This photographic term emerged in the mid-19th century as photographers experimented with new media.

Kelly Says

Diaphanotypes were basically the 1850s version of slides for a projector—photographers would painstakingly create images on glass or thin paper so they could project them onto walls, creating the first 'cinema' experiences for Victorian audiences amazed by glowing images from nowhere.

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