These colored postcards from the sunny streets of Tunisia were created using photochromy technology, in which monochrome images are given realistic colors and shades. This technology is the predecessor of color photography.
Rare color shots from Tunisia at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries
Photochromy (color lithography) was invented by a Swiss publisher in the 1880s. The process began with coating a plate made of lithographic limestone with a photosensitive emulsion. Then it was exposed to the sun under a photonegative for several hours. The emulsion solidified in proportion to the shades of the image. The softer fragments of the emulsion were removed with a solvent, and the image remained on the lithographic stone.
The photographer carefully outlined the features of the colors in the photo. According to his notes, separate lithographic stones were prepared for each color in the final version of the image. Often there were more than a dozen lithographic stones per postcard. As a result of a complex and delicate process, incredibly colorful images were obtained with much greater accuracy than in an ordinary colorized photo.
We offer you a look at the exquisite palaces and lively markets of Tunisia in the first decade of the French protectorate.
Rare color shots from Tunisia at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries
Souk El-Truk Bazaar in Tunisia.
Rare color shots from Tunisia at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries
A street in Kairouan.
Rare color shots from Tunisia at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries
Local residents of Tunisia.
Rare color shots from Tunisia at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries
St. Louis Cathedral in Carthage.
Rare color shots from Tunisia at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries
Private living room, Qasr El Said.
Rare color shots from Tunisia at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries
The bedroom of the late Bey of Tunis, Qasr El Said, Tunisia.
Rare color shots from Tunisia at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries
View of Kairouan from the minaret of the Grand Mosque.
Rare color shots from Tunisia at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries
The market in Kairouan.
Rare color shots from Tunisia at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries
The streets of Kairouan.
Rare color shots from Tunisia at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries
Kairouan.
Rare color shots from Tunisia at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries
A wandering cook, Kairouan.
Rare color shots from Tunisia at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries
Coastal area in Sousse.
Rare color shots from Tunisia at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries
View of Tunisia from the Pari Hotel.
Rare color shots from Tunisia at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries
Marr Street in Tunis.
Rare color shots from Tunisia at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries
A family of Bedouin beggars.
Rare color shots from Tunisia at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries
Near the Moorish cafe.
Rare color shots from Tunisia at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries
Bab Suika-Suker Square, Tunisia.
Rare color shots from Tunisia at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries
The throne room of the Bardo Palace, Tunisia.
Rare color shots from Tunisia at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries
The courtroom of the Bardo Palace, Tunisia.
Rare color shots from Tunisia at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries
Sadiki Hospital.
Rare color shots from Tunisia at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries
Kasbah Market in Tunisia.
Rare color shots from Tunisia at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries
French Gate, Tunisia.
Rare color shots from Tunisia at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries
A bazaar in Tunisia.
Rare color shots from Tunisia at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries
A Moorish cafe.
Rare color shots from Tunisia at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries
Ivory market, Tunisia.
Rare color shots from Tunisia at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries
Street procession in Kairouan.
Rare color shots from Tunisia at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries
At the entrance to the mosque, Tunisia.
Rare color shots from Tunisia at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries
Performance of a snake charmer in Tunisia.
Rare color shots from Tunisia at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries
St. Catherine's Mosque in Tunis.
Rare color shots from Tunisia at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries
Couscous sellers, Tunisia.
Rare color shots from Tunisia at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries
A group of Arabs in front of Bab Aleona, Tunisia.
Rare color shots from Tunisia at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries
A camp of nomads.
Rare color shots from Tunisia at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries
A street in Tunisia.
Rare color shots from Tunisia at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries