Linnaeus Tripe

(Madras Presidency, [1860]) a volume containing 9 salt or lightly-albumenized salt prints from waxed paper negatives, each on a mount with the photographer’s monogram ‘Photographer to Government’ blindstamp and with a letterpress plate number affixed above the upper right corner of each print, 1858. Folio, printed boards, title and plate list

The collection of James Bruce, 8th Earl of Elgin (1811-1863)

Sotheby’s London, 7 May 1998, Sale 8302, Lot 13

Janet Dewan, The Photographs of Linnaeus Tripe: A Catalogue Raisonné (Toronto: Art Gallery of Ontario, 2003), pp. 368-69, pp. 391-400

The 9 plates in this album are all exemplary prints from the period, with rich purplish dark tones and cream-white highlights. While the first plate is somewhat less robust than its fellows, the other 8 prints are as bold and robust as one could wish for. The mounts show some minor occasional soiling and are slightly rippled. The album is essentially disbound. The paper tape that held the plates into the binding has given way in all but a few spots. The covers are worn and soiled. There is a water stain on the upper right edge of the front free endpaper, the title, and plate list; this stain appears more faintly on the mounts of the first two plates, but does not affect the images.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The plates in this album are as follows, with the Tripe catalogue raisonné numbers in parentheses:

1. The Bridge from the North Bank of the Kaveri (CR6-44)

2. Ghats Near the S. End of the Bridge (CR6-47)

3. The Rock Through a Gap in the Fort Wall on the W. Side (CR6-49)

4. View of the Rock from the East (CR6-52)

5. Entrance to the Steps, Leading up to the Pagoda on the Rock, Looking Towards the Street (CR6-59)

6. Part of the Palace in the Fort (CR6-63)

7. Street View—Rock in the Distance (CR6-64)

8. Musjid of Nutter Auleah (CR6-65)

9. Wallajah’s Tomb in the Nutter Auleah Musjid (CR6-66)