Zangaki 19th c. Albumen of Karnak Great Hall

Zangaki 19th c. Albumen of Karnak Great Hall
Adelphoi Zangaki, Greece. Late 19th century albumen photograph print depicting the Great Hall and obelisk at the Karnak Temple Complex. Inscribed illegibly and numbered 108 along the lower right.

Lot Essay:
These 1855-1900s albumen photographs of "The Rediscovery of Egypt" represent the earliest days of the successful use of commercial photography. For the first time photographic images could be produced from glass plate negatives allowing European travelers to return home with actual images of Egypt's great treasures. Photographers include Felice Beato (Italian/British, 1832-1909), Antonio Beato (Italian/British, ca. 1832-1906), Adelphoi Zangaki (Greece), Jean Pascal Sebah (Syrian/Armenian, 1872-1947), and Maison Bonfils (France).

Many of the images offered in this sale capture ruins and artifacts that have since collapsed, moved to museums or, in some cases, are under water. The remarkable series of photographs of the Great Sphinx of Giza show it in various states of revelation - from seeing only its head to its excavation and re-excavation, until the now well-known lion's paws were finally revealed. There are additionally many photographs of hieroglyphics, temple ruins, and the Great Pyramid.
Sight; height: 8 1/2 in x width: 11 in. Matted; height: 14 1/8 in x width: 17 1/8 in.
Condition: There are no visible tears, losses, or restorations. The photograph is toned. Light to moderate creases throughout. Housed between two non-acidic mats. With plastic sleeve wrapped around and affixed to the verso of the matboard. Not inspected out of matting.