Physiologie du Cocon et du Fil de Soie
Divorced from the context of a study devoted to sericulture, or silk farming, many of the photographs in this book might just as easily illustrate a surrealist work from the 1930s. Alongside more conventional studies of silk threads (some made with the help of a solar microscope) appear neatly arranged branches cradling various stages of cocoons, some of which have been cut open to reveal the pupae within. Ironically, each branch is neatly tied with a bow of silk ribbon.
The author of the book, Duseigneur-Kléber, was a silk merchant from Lyon known for various improvements to the silk industry. He likely made the photographs with the help of the French chemist and photographer, Alphone Louis Poitevin (1819 – 1882)
The author of the book, Duseigneur-Kléber, was a silk merchant from Lyon known for various improvements to the silk industry. He likely made the photographs with the help of the French chemist and photographer, Alphone Louis Poitevin (1819 – 1882)
Artwork Details
- Title: Physiologie du Cocon et du Fil de Soie
- Artist: Jacques-Michel-Edouard Duseigneur (French, Crest 1814–1874 Lyon)
- Date: 1855
- Medium: Salted paper prints
- Dimensions: 10 1/4 × 6 1/2 × 1/2 in. (26.1 × 16.5 × 1.3 cm)
- Classifications: Books, Photographs
- Credit Line: Purchase, Joyce F. Menschel Photography Library Fund, 2020
- Object Number: 2020.39
- Curatorial Department: Photographs
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Jacques-Michel-Edouard Duseigneur
ca. 1850
Unknown
1861–62
David Johnson
ca. 1855
Charles Nègre
1858–59
Henri-Jean-Louis Le Secq
1852
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