Albumin print, Zangaki, Suez Canal, Gare De Toussoum, troop transport Vinh Long, circa 1880

This historical photograph shows a historically significant and rare view of the Suez Canal 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 motif, composed in landscape format, documents the French troop transport ship Vinh-Long along with another vessel passing through the narrow canal bed. A special historical detail is located on the left side in the desert landscape, where a prominent sign with the inscription "GARE" can be seen, marking an official passing bay or stopping station for ship traffic in the Suez Canal.

The authorship is undisputedly attributed to the Greek Zangaki Brothers due to the original signature in the photo negative, who are considered important chroniclers of the early Suez Canal and Egyptian daily life. This print was produced in the period between 1880 and 1890, during the formative phase of international seafaring on this strategically essential route. From a historical perspective, this original albumin photo is of high value as it precisely preserves the maritime military and colonial history of the late 19th century at this geopolitical hub.

The historical collector's item is mounted on its original backing cardboard and is in good age-appropriate condition with slight toning. Small light creases at the edges and corners as well as small imperfections directly on the outer edges and at one corner, while foxing typical of the period is visible on the back of the backing cardboard. The cardboard is slightly wavy. The bottom margin features the original white text within the photo negative: "Zangaki - No 12 - Croisement de sentiers" (The final text is a conjecture as it is difficult to read and would mean "Crossing of footpaths"). Dimensions of cardboard: 29,5 x 23 cm / Dimensions of photograph: 28 x 21,5 cm