The Art of Early Colour

Autochromes, the main process of colour photography for the first few decades of the 20th century, present colour in a gentle, muted kind of way-- not unlike many painters in preceding centuries. It was not long before photographers used this look to full advantage, creating beautiful photographs deliberately evocative of paintings... what artistry, eh? 

Woman in satin dress holding mirror by an unidentified photographer, c. 1915. Source

Man with stein, unknown photogapher, c. 1915. Very Dutch Old Master. Source

Still life by H. Wormleighton, c. 1915. Source

Genre scene, woman in kitchen peeling vegetables, by Dr. W. Simon, c. 1910. So Vermeer-like. Source 

Two women seated on bench, by B. J. Falk, c. 1915. Source

Plant with blue-violet flowers, by C. E. Wheelcock, c. 1915. Source

Dancer in Egyptian-style costume, by an unidentified photographer, c. 1915. Source

Woman in blue dress sitting by fireplace, by L. Silberstein, c. 1915. Source

Woman in a pink cape and bonnet by an unidentified photographer, c. 1915. Source

Woman in red dress by an unidentified photographer, c. 1915. Source

Woman in floral silk robe, by Charles Spaeth, c. 1915. Source

Woman making American flag, by Mrs. Benjamin F. Russell [aghh, wish we had HER name!], c. 1910. Source

Costumed man examining jewellery, by Dr. W. Simon, c. 1910. Source

Still life study, bowl of fruit behind gold frame by Dr. W. Simon, c. 1910. Source [How great is this??]