Paper Negative

Glossary

A photographic negative created on paper, rather than on modern cellulose film or a glass plate. William Henry Fox Talbot’s calotype process from the 1830s was among the earliest techniques to use paper negatives, with several variations emerging around 1850, such as those using waxed paper. It remains in use as an alternative photographic medium, as the texture of the paper and the possibility to scratch or draw on it before printing create room for artistic expression.

FILED UNDER

Photography

Paper Negative%newline%A photographic negative created on paper, rather than on modern cellulose film or a glass plate. William Henry Fox Talbot's calotype process from the 1830s was among the earliest techniques to use paper negatives, with several variations emerging around 1850, such as those using waxed paper. It remains in use as an alternative photographic medium, as the texture of the paper and the possibility to scratch or draw on it before printing create room for artistic expression.

Chicago	MAP Academy Encyclopedia of Art. “Paper Negative”. Accessed May 20, 2025. https://mapacademy.io/glossary/paper-negative/
MLA	“Paper Negative.” MAP Academy Encyclopedia of Art. https://mapacademy.io/glossary/paper-negative/. Accessed 20, May, 2025.
Harvard	MAP Academy Encyclopedia of Art. (2022) Paper Negative. [Online]. Available at: https://mapacademy.io/glossary/paper-negative/. (Accessed: 20, May, 2025)