Lot 1330 email save

90 photos of Tahiti c.1880

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Title: Collection of approximately 90 original albumen photographs, most of Tahiti and Tahitians, with a few of other Pacific islands and islanders
Author: **
Description: About 15 are approx. 9x7" or reverse, others smaller (5x3½" to 8x5½"). Unmounted, loose in sleeves in three-ring binder.Exceptional collection of photographs of Tahiti and its natives, including scenic views, thatched huts, harbors, and more, and a large number of photographs of topless women, men with tatoos, the royal family, etc. About 15 of the photographs are of engravings or painting, most from a French edition of Cook's third voyage.The photographs are in superb condition, rich in tone and without fading, and for good reason. They were preserved in a ledger notebook that was kept by a Mr. Joseph James Dunn while he was attending St. Ignatius College (now the University of San Francisco) in 1879. Dunn's library was sold at auction in the 1970's, and the present owner purchased the ledger in a large group of volumes. Years later he donated the ledger to USF, unaware of the photographs preserved within - the photos were returned to him, and are now first offered for sale.
Heading: zzc(Tahiti)Place Published: Tahiti, etc.
Publisher:
Date Published: c.1880