The Library, Sebastopol

1855-1856

James Robertson

Associated Names
James Robertson

Artist, British, 1813 - 1888

Felice Beato

Artist, British, born Venice, 1832 - 1909

The image depicts a scene featuring a faded, sepia-toned photograph of a stone structure. In the forefront, there is a circular tower with arched openings and sculptural reliefs. Behind it, there is a large building with classical elements like columns and pilasters. Some parts of the building show damage, with sections bricked up. Bare trees line a path next to the building, suggesting a stark scene. The sky is a washed-out hue. There is no defined horizon visible, giving prominence to the structures in the composition. The monochromatic palette emphasizes the texture and aged quality of the buildings, highlighting their historical decay and grandeur.

Media Options

This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    albumen silver print

  • Credit Line

    Gift of Michael and Jane Wilson

  • Dimensions

    image: 22 × 27.3 cm (8 11/16 × 10 3/4 in.)
    mount: 32.5 × 40.8 cm (12 13/16 × 16 1/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2012.137.4.23

  • Volume Title

    Photographs of the Crimean War

Associated Artworks

See all 27 artworks

[[PLACEHOLDER ARTWORK]]

The image features an elevated view overlooking a vast landscape that extends into the distance. The skyline is marked by the sea with small silhouettes of ships visible. Remnants of stone structures are scattered across a barren terrain, leading to a more densely built-up area with large rectangular buildings. The urban area beyond becomes increasingly dense in the distance. The color palette is primarily sepia-toned.

Panorama of Sebastopol No. 1

James Robertson, Felice Beato

1855

The image shows a landscape with clustered buildings viewed from above. There is a body of water surrounded by landforms and a long structure resembling arches or colonnades. The color palette is dominated by sepia tones. Rocks, paths, and scattered materials are in the foreground, leading to a densely populated area. Low structures fill the mid-ground, leading towards the water and sky.

Distant View of the Arsenal

James Robertson, Felice Beato

1855


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

(Paul M. Hertzmann, Inc., San Francisco); Michael and Jane Wilson, Wilson Centre for Photography, London, acquired 2001; gift to NGA, 2012.

Associated Names

Inscriptions

on mount, by unknown hand, top center in graphite: 1 {; bottom center in ink: [Arabic inscription]; on verso, top left in graphite: JR-0021

Wikidata ID

Q64155532

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