Daguerreotype to Digital

A Brief History of the Photographic Process

Crayon Portraits
Period of Use: 1840 - 1915

Example of crayon portrait

The crayon portrait was a weak photographic image that provided the base for extensive handwork by an artist in charcoal or pastel. These were usually done on matte surface paper and were often near life size.

The finished piece often gives the appearance of a drawing or painting.

Prints from Crayon Portrait

Andrew Jackson Portrait of Florida's first Lieutenant Governor William W.J. Kelly