Bromoil Magnification
Bromoil prints consist of ink on silver gelatin fiber based paper. Under magnification prints will have the appearance of ink on a coated paper. Pigment particles may be visible. The image will not have a discernible pattern. Depending upon how the ink was applied, some prints may appear more “grainy” than others. The image ink will rest on the surface of the substrate. During the inking process, the print surface was susceptible to contamination by foreign matter such as dust, fibers and brush hairs. These faults will be visible under magnification.
Pigment particles at 10x magnification.
Pigment particles at 30x magnification.
Pigment particles at 50x magnification.
Upon magnification, image faults such as brush hairs and debris may be visible (10x magnification).
Bromoil prints consist of an ink image, gelatin binder and baryta layer on a paper support. A key identifying feature of a bromoil print is the presence of a binder baryta layer. Matting agents may also be present. Ink rests on, rather than in, the gelatin of the support. Paper fibers will be slightly to completely obscured depending upon the thickness of the baryta layer. Ink will rest on, rather than in, the support. Mechanical damage to the print, often in the corners, may reveal the presence of a binder layer.
Paper fibers are obscured, matting agents are present. Ink rests on the support (50x magnification under raking light).
Paper fibers are slightly visible indicating the presence of a thin baryta layer. Ink rests on the support (50x magnification under raking light).
Paper fibers are obscured indicating the presence of a thick baryta layer. Surface texture has been applied. Ink rests on the support (50x magnification under raking light).
Binder layer may be visible along edges and in corners due to mechanical damage (50x magnification).
Bromoil prints consist of an ink image, gelatin binder and baryta layer on a paper support.