Albumin print, Algiers harbor, Algeria panorama, Albert Hautecoeur Paris, circa 1900

This historical photograph shows a wide panoramic view of the harbor of Algiers in Algeria, taken as an original albumin print. The albumin process used was the dominant photochemical technique of that era, in which egg white was used to bind the light-sensitive silver salts to the paper, giving the photographs their characteristic warm sepia tone, a soft glossy surface, and high detail sharpness. The maritime motif documents the extensive harbor basin of the North African metropolis with various ships and boats, embedded in the prominent and dense waterfront architecture of the city.

The photograph was most likely taken by a local photographer directly on site in Algiers and features the archive number 205 within the photo negative on the bottom right. The back of the print features the original dealer and publisher stamp of the renowned art salon Albert Hautecœur - Mon Martinet - 12, Boulevard des Capucines – Paris, which documents its contemporary distribution in Europe. This print was produced around the year 1900, during the heyday of classic travel and Oriental photography. From a historical perspective, this original albumin photo is of high value as it preserves the urban structure and maritime importance of Algiers at the turn of the century as an authentic visual primary document.

The historical collector's item is available as a loose sheet, features the original dimensions of 27,4 x 21 cm, is in good age-appropriate condition with slight toning, and shows light creases at all 4 corners, which presumably originate from an earlier mounting or attachment.