Sébah, J Pascal, Dame-Cophte

Sébah, J. Pascal, albumen print, c.1880, costume study titled "Dame-Cophte" and numbered 329 in the negative, image 27.5cm x 21cmm

Pascal Sébah (1823–1886) was a prominent Ottoman Empire photographer of Syrian and Armenian descent, known for his evocative portraits and images of landscapes, architecture, and local life in the Middle East. Born in Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul), Sébah became a key figure in 19th-century photography, contributing significantly to the visual documentation of the region during a time of increasing Western interest in the Orient.

Sébah opened his first photography studio in Constantinople in 1857, strategically located to attract both locals and the growing number of European tourists. His work catered to the burgeoning interest in "Orientalist" imagery, capturing views of Ottoman landmarks, cultural scenes, and portraits of people in traditional attire. These photographs became popular as souvenirs for Western visitors, and Sébah's work was widely recognized for its high technical quality and artistic composition.

In 1873, Sébah collaborated with French painter Osman Hamdi Bey on a series of photographs depicting Turkish life and costumes, which were exhibited at the Vienna World Exposition. This partnership enhanced Sébah’s reputation across Europe, securing his place as a leading photographer of the Ottoman Empire.

After Sébah's death in 1886, his son, Jean Pascal Sébah, continued the family business, which became "Sébah & Joaillier" after a partnership with another photographer, Policarpe Joaillier. The studio remained influential, documenting life in the region well into the early 20th century.

Pascal Sébah's photographic works can be found at:

1. The Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York, USA) - The Met holds various works by Sébah, including his albumen prints of Middle Eastern landscapes and people, such as "Groupe de Fellahs" from the 1870s. [Metropolitan Museum of Art - Pascal Sébah Collection] https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/260

2. The J. Paul Getty Museum (Los Angeles, USA) - The Getty Museum houses photographs by Sébah that capture iconic views of Ottoman and Egyptian architecture. [J. Paul Getty Museum - Pascal Sébah Collection] https://www.getty.edu/art/collection/person/103KMF

3. Victoria and Albert Museum (London, UK) - The V&A features Sébah's work documenting artifacts from the Museum of Islamic Art in Cairo, including his photograph of "Doors on display from the mosque El Bakkera". [Victoria and Albert Museum - Pascal Sébah Collection] https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O1315150/doors-on-display-from-the-photograph-pascal-sebah/

4. George Eastman Museum (Rochester, USA) The Eastman Museum includes a large collection of Sébah’s photographs, particularly those depicting Egyptian scenes from the late 19th century. [George Eastman Museum - Pascal Sébah Collection] https://collections.eastman.org/people/86018/pascal-sebah