Hippolyte Bayard (1801–1887) is often characterized as an underdog in the early history
of photography. From the outset, his contribution to the invention of the medium was eclipsed by others such as
Louis-Jacques-Mandé Daguerre (1787–1851) and William Henry Fox Talbot (1800–1877). However, Bayard
had an undeniable role in the birth of photography and its subsequent evolution into a form of art. He was a
pioneer in artistic style, innovator in terms of practice, and teacher of the next generation of photographers.
Alongside an exploration of Bayard’s decades-long career and lasting impact, Hippolyte Bayard and the
Invention of Photography (J. Paul Getty Museum, $65) presents—for the first time in print—some of the earliest
photographs in existence. Among the Getty Museum’s rarest and most treasured photographic holdings is an
album containing nearly 200 images, 145 of those by or attributed to Bayard. Few of these prints have ever
been seen in person due to the extreme light sensitivity of Bayard’s experimental processes, making this an
essential reference for scholars and photography enthusiasts alike.
This volume accompanies an exhibition on view at the
J. Paul Getty Museum from April 9–July 7, 2024.
Karen Hellman is former associate curator in the Department of Photographs at the J. Paul Getty Museum. Her
work focuses on the early history of photography, primarily in Europe.
Carolyn Peter is assistant curator in the Department of Photographs at the J. Paul Getty Museum and author
of “The Many Lives of the Getty's Bayard Album” (Getty Research Journal, February 2022)
Windmills of Montmartre, 1842, Salted paper print © Hippolyte Bayard, Courtesy J. Paul Getty Trust
''''
Hippolyte Bayard and the Invention of Photography'' Hippolyte Bayard and the Invention of Photography is a groundbreaking addition to photographic history, serving as the first English-language volume dedicated to Bayard's pioneering work. Through meticulous research and elegant writing, the book provides readers with a clear narrative and detailed timeline of Bayard's life and career, as well as the major events of the era he lived in. It unveils some of the earliest photographs ever produced, shedding light on Bayard's often overlooked contributions. With precision, the volume traces Bayard's journey and artistic vision, offering insight into his profound impact on photography's evolution. His experiments with light and chemicals, as well as his diverse subjects such as portraits, gardens, flowers, and street scenes of Paris, underscore his curiosity and ingenuity for his time.
The book presents a treasure trove of early photographs, making it an essential addition to the collection of any enthusiast or scholar eager to delve into the genesis of photography and discover the enduring brilliance of Hippolyte Bayard.
As a French photographer familiar with his work through prior publications and exhibitions, I must admit that ''Hippolyte Bayard and the Invention of Photography'' is the most detailed and rich book I have read thus far about this forgotten pioneer.
I highly recommend it; it should be in any photographer's library!''
—
Sandrine Hermand-Grisel, All About Photo
''At last we have a comprehensive book in the English language about one of the most interesting of
photography’s pioneers. Incessantly experimental and an omnivorous picture maker, Hippolyte Bayard is a
photographer who has stood the test of time: as this copiously illustrated book demonstrates, his work is as
fascinating today as it was in the nineteenth century.''
—
Geoffrey Batchen, Professor of the History of Art, University of Oxford
Arrangement of Flowers, ca. 1839–43 Salted paper negative © Hippolyte Bayard, Courtesy J. Paul Getty Trust
Rue Royale, Paris, ca. 1840–49 Salted paper print © Hippolyte Bayard, Courtesy J. Paul Getty Trust
Getty Publications produces award-winning titles that result from or complement the work of the J. Paul Getty
Museum, Getty Conservation Institute, and Getty Research Institute. This wide variety of books covers the
fields of art, photography, archaeology, architecture, conservation, and the humanities for both the general
public and specialists. Publications include illustrated works on artists and art history, exhibition catalogues,
works on cultural history, research on the conservation of materials and archaeological sites, scholarly
monographs, critical editions of translated works, comprehensive studies of Getty's collections, and educational
books on art to interest children of all ages.
Building with an Arched Entry, ca. 1840–49 Salted paper print © Hippolyte Bayard, Courtesy J. Paul Getty Trust
Three Feathers ca. 1842-43, Cyanotype © Hippolyte Bayard, Courtesy J. Paul Getty Trust
Self-Portrait in the Garden, 1847 Salted paper print © Hippolyte Bayard, Courtesy J. Paul Getty Trust
