#PE28
Ca. 1880s-1890s
Oblong Folio (37.5 x 27 cm or 14 ¾ x 10 ¾ in). 28 cardstock leaves. 46 mounted albumen photographs from ca. 34.5 x 25.5 cm (13 ½ x 10 in) to 20 x 15.5 cm (8 x 6 in). Over 25 images captioned in negative. Five mounted watercolours from ca. 22 x 16.5 cm (8 ¾ x 6 ½ in) to 17 x 14 cm (6 ¾ x 5 ½ in). Period black half sheep with black pebbled cloth boards album, rebacked in style; moire endpapers; binder’s paper label on lower right corner of inner front cover. Mounts slightly waved and age-toned, one mount with corner tear not affecting images; a few photos mildly faded, five photos with mild pigment stains, but overall a very good album of interesting photos and attractive watercolours.
A collection of albumen photographs showing Italy, including the cities of Perugia, Venice, Pisa, and the ruins of Pompeii. Five watercolour paintings recreate frescoes, possibly from Pompeii. The album was likely compiled by one “Mrs. Tuke.” Eleven photographs are signed by or attributed to Giacomo Brogi, a prolific Italian photographer; six by Fratelli Alinari, one of the largest Italian photography studios; and six by Bolletti Fotografi.
Over 35 photographs are of cities in Italy. They show Perugia (Piazza IV Novembre, including the Palazzo dei Priori and frescoes from the Collegio del Cambio; the Appian Way; the Etruscan Arch), Pisa (the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Cathedral, Baptistry, and Camposanto Monumentale in the Piazza dei Miracoli), and Pompeii (ruins of Pompeii, including streets and the Basilica). Several large photographs show Venice landmarks (St. Mark’s Square, Bridge of Sighs). There are also views of Naples, Amalfi, and Vietri.
Five watercolour paintings of frescoes are mounted next to the photographs of Pompeii.
Other photographs in the album show the city of Prague in the modern-day Czech Republic (the Charles Bridge and the Church of Our Lady before Týn) and locations in France (the Carnac stones in Brittany and the Church of St. Maclou in Rouen). Additionally, with a printed "Personal Message" from and printed portrait of Queen Elizabeth II.
Overall, an interesting collection of photographs with paintings showing Italy in the late 19th/early 20th century.
