Harropian Books

[Stambouli House] "Courtyard of a Jew's House in Damascus" : Bonfils Photograph No. 25

BONFILS, Felix

n.p. [Beirut, Lebanon]: Bonfils, [c. 1870]. Mounted Photograph. A fine shot, with nice chocolate tones. The image shows the inner courtyard of one of the wealthiest and most prominent Jewish families in Ottoman Damascus as they enjoy a quiet moment in their "Stambouli House". Named for the Stambouli family, it still stands today after changing hands just a few times. The family sits in the shade beside an elevated fountain with Star of David decorations. A large format albumen silver salts photograph, measuring 11.25 x 15.25 inches wide, mounted onto heavy paper measuring 12 x 16.5 inches wide, with a cursive ink caption "Courtyard of a Jew's House in Damascus" along lower edge of mount and "Bonfils 25" in negative at lower left corner of the photograph. Photo w. fading to edges, trivial losses near lower right corner and some short closed tears at edges - part of the original mounting process, so not loose ; heavy paper mount w. a few spots of browning and minor buckling to edges. Very Good. Item #4134

Felix Bonfils opened his first studio in Beirut in 1867, so this no. 25 image may date from near then. Ref. In Arab Lands : The Bonfils Collection by D. Haller (2000) which has the Stambouli house courtyard and fountain photograph on the front cover and also exhibited as plate no. 38.

Price: $500.00 CAD  other currencies