Moonbather, anthotype

This is an anthotype print of my painting Moonbather. These are made using a photosensitive emulsion synthesized from natural sources found at the local supermarket and exposure to sunlight, the number of hours of which are indicated on the prints themselves.

Due to conflicting information on the Internet, the question arises as to whether or not anthotypes are permanent. Sir John Herschel's original anthotypes from 1839 still survive, however, they are stored in dark archives and removed only in dimly lit, temperature controlled rooms for researchers.

That said, I use a different formula than Herschel used, that resists degradation. This consists of a diferuloylmethane/rosocyanin/borate complex. The anthotypes are printed on acid free archival hot-pressed 140lb. watercolor paper with a cardboard backing and a clear polyvinyl sleeve. These should last a lifetime (or more) if displayed out of direct sunlight and excessive moisture.