The Surface of Things - Part Two

Harman Gloss and Traditional Gelatin Silver Papers
The Past, Present and Future 

Essay and Photographs by Richard Lohmann
I would like to begin with a story about a French wine glass called Les Impitoyables. In a recent conversation, a vintner named Michael Trupiano described a glass specifically designed for white wines, and this story makes a point that seems applicable to digital photography. He explained that some white wines are very subtle and that their complexity and richness can be difficult to discern. To solve this problem a wine glass called Les Impitoyables evolved in France. It has a large funnel-shaped bowl and a narrow mouth that allows for more circulation of the wine’s aromas than other glasses and allows the wine to be vigorously swirled without spilling. The odd-shaped glass is held with a long stem that prevents the bowl from warming and allows the correct temperature of the wine to be maintained. The sole purpose of this glass is to feature the wine inside the ...