Lot 121
  • 121

Snouck Hurgronje, Christian--Ghaffar, Abdul.

Estimate
1,500 - 2,000 GBP
bidding is closed

Description

  • Photograph of the Holy Ka'bah at Makkah. [c.1885]
Albumen print (185 x 246mm.), mounted on thick card, slightly spotted and faded, mount curved

Literature

Facey, W. and G. Grant, Saudi Arabia by the first photographers (London, 1996), p.28; El-Hage, B., Saudi Arabia caught in time 1861-1939 (Reading, 1997), pp.43-46

Condition

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."

Catalogue Note

a rare early photograph of makkah, signed "al-Sayyid 'Abdul al-Ghaffar, doctor of Makkah" in the negative, which was published by Hurgronje in Bilder aus Mekka (1889). "Abdul Ghaffar was one of the celebrated Indian photographers of Makkah who had made a collection of photographs of the Ka'ba, and the valley of Muna and pilgrims ascending Arafat Moutain during the Hajj." (El-Hage, p.45)