Robertson, James

Oblong folio (295 x 395mm.), 47 dilute albumen and salted paper prints, loose and unmounted, 5 signed in ink on the print by Robertson and 13 in the negative, including 2 panoramas of Sebastopol (see catalogue note), each with a contemporary annotation in pencil on the reverse, contemporary red half roan over green cloth boards, images rather faded as usual, some prints slightly worn at the edges, binding rubbed at corners, spine slightly worn

Admiral Sir Thomas Sabine Pasley, 2nd Baronet, KCB, RN, (1804-1884), who between 1853-56 was flag-captain to Admiral Sir Edmund Lyons Bart, GCB, RN (later Lord Lyons) who would leave the Crimea as naval commander-in-chief in the Black Sea. Sir Thomas either bought or was given these photographs while serving in the Crimea; thence by descent

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate.
"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."

A large collection of photographs by one of the most important photographers of the Crimea and Constantinople and with a distinguished provenance.

This album contains 29 photographs of the Crimea, 17 of Constantinople, and one of the Parthenon in Athens. The Crimean images show 10 of the Russian defences and batteries after the fall of Sebastopol; 7 of Sebastopol (including a 3-part panorama of Sebastopol from the Malakoff and a 2-part panorama of the city from the Redan), 2 of the French military positions, and 10 of the British positions (a list of the images is available on www.sothebys.com).