Philippos Margaritis Sold at Auction Prices

Margaritis, Philippos: View of the Erechtheion, Athens

Margaritis, Philippos: View of the Erechtheion, Athens View of the Erechtheion, Athens. Circa 1855. Albumenized salt print. 21,5 x 26,5 cm. Mounted along edges to cream card (edges minimally time-stained). Philippos Margaritis was the first professional photographer in Athens and he had his own studio as of 1855. He often made salt prints and his knowledge of antiquities and history added to his making finely composed prints. The image here is probably the first photograph taken after the earthquake of 1852 and shows some restoration and the copy of the caryatid removed by Lord Elgin at the beginning of the 19th century. - Some buckling due to mounting, minimal fading in edges, otherwise with strong contrasts and in very good condition. - With: Photographic reproductions of portrait paintings of King Otto and Queen Amalia of Greece. 1850s. 2 albumen prints. Each circa 15 x 11 cm. Mounted to cream card. - In good condition. Lit.: Dorothea Ritter. Im Lichte des Helios. Griechenland in frühen Photographien aus der Sammlung Siegert. Munich 1999, ill. p. 72.