Albumin print, Zangaki, Quai De Port Said, mount-knitted on cardboard, Egypt, circa 1880

This historical photograph shows an impressive and rare panoramic view of the waterfront promenade of Port Said in Egypt, taken as an original albumin print mounted on cardboard. 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 wide-angle image composition documents the bustling "Quai de Port Said" with numerous smaller boats moored along the shore, while the typical European-influenced architecture of the founding period with its prominent verandas and splendid wooden balconies extends behind them.

The authorship is undisputedly attributed to the Greek Zangaki Brothers due to the original signature in the photo negative, who are among the most important early documentary photographers along the Suez Canal. This print was produced around the estimated 1880s, during the rapid growth phase of the port city following the opening of the canal. From a historical perspective, this original albumin photo is of high value as it preserves the early urban development and maritime flair of this strategic hub prior to the massive expansions of the 20th century as an authentic visual primary document.

The historical collector's item is mounted on its original backing cardboard, features the photograph dimensions of 28,5 x 22 cm, and is in acceptable age-appropriate condition with slight toning; a small crease on the bottom right of the cardboard, while the sheet and the backing cardboard show a slight waviness due to storage. The bottom margin features the original white caption within the negative: "Zangaki - No. Quai de Port Said."