Albumin print, Boulevard Séguin, Oran Algeria, tram, ND Phot, circa 1900

This historical photograph shows a bustling view of the Boulevard Séguin in Oran, Algeria, taken as an original albumin print around the year 1900. 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 photograph documents the pulsating urban life during the French colonial period, at the center of which the historical electric tram can be seen as a modern means of transport, along with numerous passersby. On the facades, the historical business and shop signs such as "Aux Montagnes Russes," the dental practice "Dentiste Crozant," "Papiers Blanchet," "L Chaze," "Au Grand Marceau," and the textile shop "Au Grand Paris" can be wonderfully recognized. The work originates from the renowned studios of ND Phot, the official signature abbreviation of the French photographers and publishers Neurdein Brothers.

This print was produced around the turn of the century, during the heyday of Algerian urban development. From a historical perspective, these original albumin photos are of high value as they preserve the Western-influenced architecture, early technological progress, and colonial infrastructure of Algeria in its original state.

The historical collector's item is available as a loose sheet and features the original dimensions of 28 x 21 cm; it is cut slightly unevenly in one small spot on the left margin; good age-appropriate condition with slight toning; signs of wear are corresponding to age; the bottom margin features the original white caption within the photo negative with the archive number 271 and the title "Oran Le Boulevard Séguin," as well as the studio abbreviation "ND Phot."