Artist Index: Sébah, Pascal

(Attributed to). Panorama of Cairo. 1870s. Panorama consisting of 6 albumen prints, mounted to boards. Each ca. 25 x 30,5 cm (entire size 25 x 182 cm). In red canvas presentation folder with gilt embossed title "Kairo" on front cover.

This six-part panorama of Cairo, attributed to Pascal Sébah, depicts a sweeping view of the city’s historical and architectural landmarks, including such sites as the Muhammad Ali Mosque, the Cairo Citadel, the aqueduct, the northern cemetery, and the mosques of Sultan Hassan and al-Rifa’i among others. – Boards slightly toned, folder slightly soiled and with some spots, some fading at folds of prints, otherwise in very good condition.

Portraits of people of the Ottoman Empire. 1870s. 34 albumen prints. Each circa 14,2 x 10 cm. Most with title and/or number in lower left corner in the negative; annotated in pencil on verso.

Pascal Sébah was a pioneering photographer known for his detailed and impressive images of the Middle East and North Africa during the 19th century. Operating a studio in Istanbul, he specialized in both portraiture and landscape photography, capturing the diverse culture and architectural wonders of the Ottoman Empire. His work contributed significantly to Western fascination with the Orient and remains a valuable resource for understanding the region’s history and heritage. – Slight fading in edges, a few with light spots, some minimal handling marks, otherwise in good condition.

Provenance: Robert Lebeck Collection

Lit.: Bahattin Öztuncay. The Photographers of Constantinople. Pioneers, studios and artists from 19th century Istanbul. Istanbul 2006 (2nd edition).