Lot 3
  • 3

Coronel Teodoro Quintana

Estimate
2,000 - 2,500 USD
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Description

  • Lunar photograph taken at the Observatorio Astronómico Nacional, Mexico, 2 February 1887
  • photograph
Albumen print, 6 by 5 1/4 inches, mounted on printed card stock within ink ruled border. Inscribed in contemporary hand on verso: "Royal Observatory Greenwich, Folio 17." 

Provenance

Ex Ewen Whitaker, lunar scientist and astronomer

Condition

Photograph mounted on card stock. Small loss to upper right corner of card stock, scattered foxing, including some minor discoloration to upper left corner of photograph; remnants of ink (library?) stamp visible on lower edge of card stock. Inscription to verso in ink.
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.

Catalogue Note

A photograph of the moon at 10.5 days. Mounted on board with the printed caption: "Ensayos de Fotographía Lunar. Fotographía sacada con el refractos de 15 pulgadas (con aberracion cromática) el dia 2 de Febrero de 1887 en el 10° dia de Lunacion por el Teniente Coronel Teodoro Quintana."

Established in 1877-78 in conjunction with the National Meteorological Observatory and National Central Observatory, the National Astronomical Observatory was located in Chapultepec Castle in Mexico City. Lieutenant Colonel Teodoro Quintana, the photographer of the Presidential Guard, became involved with the observatory in 1885 at the invitation of director Ángel Anguiano. During his tenure there, Quintana undertook the study of astrophotography, and began producing lunar photographs such as the one at hand.