Victorian Crystoleum Painting by Ullman MFG Co New York 1900

Lovely antique crystoleum print titled ‘Flirtation’ made by Ullman Manufacturing Company of New York in 1899.  Measures 26cm x 21cm. The glass plate is mounted within a wooden gilt frame and is excellent condition.

A crystoleum is a photographic technique that was popular from around 1880 to 1910. The term comes from “crystal” and “oleum” (oil). Here’s a brief overview of the process:

• Albumen Print: The process starts with an albumen print, which is pasted face down onto the inside of a concave piece of glass.
• Removing the Backing: Once the adhesive (usually starch paste or gelatin) is dry, the paper backing of the print is carefully rubbed away, leaving only the transparent emulsion on the glass.
• Hand Coloring: The image is then colored by hand using oil paints.
• Adding a Second Glass: Another piece of glass is added to the back, which can also be colored by hand. Both pieces of glass are then bound together, creating a detailed but fragile image.
  

This technique was derived from the 18th-century mezzotint process and was known for its vibrant and detailed images. Crystoleums were quite popular in late Victorian and Edwardian times, but due to their fragile nature, many have not survived.