Héliographie was the name given by Nicéphore Niépce to the bitumen photographic process he invented in 1822. The process used to make this rare early test is a mystery, as is its age. There is one other known example in the David Hanson collection where it is cataloged: "Possibly a plate made by Placet ca. 1859. This print bears a very strong resemblance to Placet’s first attempts and is a very early and unusual French example. The small size coupled with the coarseness of the grain and the emphasis on the linearity in the photograph make for a striking early print." [1]

Imprimerie Charles Chardon aîné.