James Robertson & Felice Beato)

Albumen prints, the third and fifth plates signed 'Robertson & Beato photog' in the negative. With geographical locations inscribed in French in the negative: 'Le Bosphore', 'Pointe du Serail' and 'La Mosquée de Ste Sophie, naguère[?] ...et Ahmed'.

A superb example of a Robertson & Beato panorama. It maintains excellent colour overall and has good deep contrast. Light foxing is apparent in the sky of the two right-most plates, and incautious handling has resulted in a small number of light stress marks, most noticeable in raking light and particularly also in the area of the sky. Two of the joins between the plates are original, and two have been reinforced at a later date with adhesive backing. The lower edge of the left plate cut less than 1cm shy of its neighbour. The surface is very lightly soiled and would benefit from the professional attentions of a conservator simply to clean it . Overall, an image remarkably preserved. NOTE: It has come to our attention since the catalogue was prepared for press that a close variant print of this same image is reproduced in Öztuncay, Bahattin; The Photographers of Constantinople, Aygaz, [Istanbul], 2003 at pl. 699.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This remarkable panorama of Constantinople, taken from one of the highest vantage points, the Bayezid Tower, is believed to be the earliest of that city known to have survived. Composed of five separate albumen prints, extending to a total length of 150 cm, it was taken by James Robertson c. 1857 as part of a series of architectural and landscape views of the city.

Robertson and his future brother-in-law Felice Beato began photographing together in Constantinople in 1853. Their official partnership was formed either in that year or in 1854 when Robertson opened his photographic studio in the Grande Rue de Péra. In all probability the Beato brothers, Felice and the younger Antonio, learnt their photography from Robertson. The signature 'Robertson and Beato' seen on many photographs of Constantinople (Istanbul) and other regions of the Levant after 1856 is in the hand of Robertson. 

Although widely appreciated for his war photography, it is for his refined and sophisticated architectural work that Robertson is best known.  Living in Istanbul for many years and knowing it well, Robertson was able to convey with his photographs more about the city than ordinary 'travel' photographers.