{359}
_Photographic Copies of Rembrandt._--The extreme rarity and great pecuniary
value of many of Rembrandt's finest etchings are doubtless well known to
many of our readers, as being such as to put these master-pieces of art
beyond the reach of ordinary purchasers. This series of works, calculated
beyond all others of their kind to delight the possessor, will however,
thanks to photography, soon be obtainable by all admirers of the great
master. Two distinguished French photographers, the brothers MM. Bisson,
have succeeded in obtaining, by means of this wonderful art, copies of a
fidelity attainable by no other process: so that the wondrous lights,
shades, half-tones, and chiaro-obscuro, for which Rembrandt is so
remarkable, are preserved in all their original beauty. The plates will be
accompanied by descriptive letter-press, and by a Biography of Rembrandt
from the pen of M. Charles Blanc. As the works are so numerous, the first
series will consist of forty plates, to be issued in ten livraisons, each
containing four plates, price twenty francs; a very moderate sum, if we
remember that among the works thus to be issued, at a cost of five francs
each, will be found copies of such gems as the _Avocat Tolling_ and the
_Piece de Cent Florins_.
_Coloured Photographs._--I have lately seen, and very much admired, some
specimens of photographic coloured portraits. They have all the broad
effect of the great masters perfectly in detail, and none of the niggling
effect of many coloured photographs, which are in fact specimens of
miniature painting rather than photography--the outline alone being given
by the photographic art. The specimens I refer to appear to have been
soaked in oil, or some transparent varnish, and then coloured in separate
tints, probably from the back; the shadows being _entirely_ photographic.
It is evident they are quickly and easily executed; but I am desirous of
knowing the exact process, and shall be much obliged for information on the
subject.