WILLIAM E. DASSONVILLE (1879-1957) Poplar trees. Silver print on Dassonville "Charcoal Black" paper, the image measuring 8x10 1/4 inches (20.3x26 cm.), the sheet 10 3/4x13 3/4 inches (27x35 cm.), the mount 14 3/4x17 inches (37.5x43.2 cm.), with Dassonville's signature in pencil on print recto. Circa 1920s
When World War I caused a shortage of platinum, Dassonville set out to manufacture a gelatin silver paper that would yield platinum's extensive tonal range. "Charcoal Black," used for this photograph, finally debuted in 1923. The paper was championed by Ansel Adams and others seeking the ability to enlarge from their negatives and make a matte silver print with great tonal subtlety. Source: Cleveland Museum of Art
