Frith, Francis

MAMMOTH ALBUMEN PRINT (376 x 480mm.) from a wet-collodion negative, original publisher's mount with printed title and photographer's credit, mounted, framed and glazed

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."

This photograph shows the famous Trajan’s kiosk on the island of Philae. The artist David Roberts first called it a ‘hypaethral’ – or roofless – temple, while local Egyptians referred to it as 'Pharaoh’s Bed’. In reality the building was once covered by a wooden roof and served as a temple for ceremonies in honour of the goddess Isis. Frith used a large format camera and a massive 16 by 20 inch glass plate negative to take this photograph which reveals the scale of the scene in the developed print. The image also features Frith's boat and portable darkroom.