Paris: Belloc, [1861]. First edition. 16mo., 129 pp. Later half morocco and marbled paper over boards, title in gilt on the spine, original printed rear wrapper bound-in. Slight toning; very good. Item #53067

Auguste Belloc (b. 1800, Paris) was a portrait miniaturist, watercolor painter and photographer of the nude. He began making portraits with the daguerreotype and calotype processes by 1851. Belloc was one of the founding members of the Société Française de Photographie. In the 1850's, he was inventing, manufacturing and selling photographic supplies and equipment, which he continued to do until his death in 1868. In 1869, Gaudenzio Marconi, who took over Belloc's skylit studio, reproduced and published Belloc's exquisite nudes. Belloc was also a writer on photographic theory, processes, and techniques. Here, Belloc covers the apparatus and sensitized materials used for "informal" photographic subjects. Following the 100 pp. text is a 20 pp. priced list of his photographic products for sale.

Bellier de la Chavignerie, Manuel Bibliographie du Photographe Francais, 1863, no. 124 (the first bibliography of French photographic literature, listed chronologically). Roosens and Salu No. 6537.

Price: $1,000.00