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Collection Overview

Creator:
Konstantinou, Dimitris, fl. 1858-1875
Title:
Dimitris Constantine Photographs of Greece
Repository:
Manuscripts Division
Permanent URL:
http://arks.princeton.edu/ark:/88435/5712m655m
Dates:
1850s-1870s
Size:
5 boxes and 10 linear feet
Storage Note:
  • Firestone Library (scamss): Box 1-5
Language:
English

Abstract

Consists of assorted photographs of Athens and other sites in Greece taken by the Greek photographer Dimitris Constantine (fl. 1850s).

Collection Description & Creator Information

Scope and Contents

The collection consists of a numbered series of 73 large albumen photographs of Athens and other places in Greece by Dimitris Constantine [Dimitris Konstantinou]. Constantine was the first photographer to be associated with the Hellenic Archaeological Society, for which he photographed antiquities in Athens and objects from the Society's collection. Many of his photographs were sold in albums to foreign visitors to Greece. These photographs were assembled for Sir Horace Rumbold (1829-1913), British Ambassador to Greece, who served in Athens in 1862, 1866-1867, and 1884-1888.

The photographs all measure about 11″ x 14½″ and are numbered with brief captions. Many are signed either "D. Constantin" or "D. Costantin." All are mounted on mat board (24½" x 18½") which have been blind-stamped "D. Constantine, Photographer, 20 Eolus Street, Athens." The mats are also blind-stamped in the lower right corner with a caduceus and the initials "E.B." More than 40 of the photographs pertain to classical sites in Athens, including the Acropolis and the Parthenon; eleven photographs show details of friezes and sculptures; places include the Pass of Daphne, Eleusis, Phyle, Syros, Aegina, Mycenae, Corinth, and there are five photographs of Corfu, one showing the ship H.M.S. Orlando. There is one photograph of the British Legation building where Sir Rumbold was housed during his stay in Greece.

Also present is the original container of the photographs, a blue morocco-covered brass bound box with Sir Rumbold's crest engraved on a brass plate on the lid.

The collection also contains an additional albumen photograph by Constantine, not part of the numbered series, of Theseion [Hephaisteion] in Athens. This photograph measures approximately 11¼ x 15¼″, and is mounted on mat board (16 ¼″ x 25 ¼″).

Arrangement

The photographs are arranged in numerical order; the original case and additions follow.

Collection Creator Biography:

Konstantinou, Dimitris, fl. 1858-1875

Constantine [Dimitris Konstantinou] was the first photographer to be associated with the Hellenic Archaeological Society, for which he photographed antiquities in Athens and objects in the Society's collection. Many of his photographs were sold in albums to foreign visitors to Greece.

Collection History

Acquisition:

The photographs have been acquired with matching funds provided by the Program in Hellenic Studies with the support of the Stanley J. Seeger Hellenic Fund. Purchased from Clive Farahan and Sophie Dupre in 2000, from William Reese Company in 2004, and from Gary Edwards in 2010.

Appraisal

No appraisal information is available.

Processing Information

This collection was processed by Karla J. Vecchia in 2001. Finding aid written by Karla J. Vecchia in 2001.

Access & Use

Conditions Governing Access

Collection is open for research use.

Conditions Governing Use

Single photocopies may be made for research purposes. No further photoduplication of copies of material in the collection can be made when Princeton University Library does not own the original. Inquiries regarding publishing material from the collection should be directed to RBSC Public Services staff through the Ask Us! form. The library has no information on the status of literary rights in the collection and researchers are responsible for determining any questions of copyright.

Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements

For preservation reasons, original analog and digital media may not be read or played back in the reading room. Users may visually inspect physical media but may not remove it from its enclosure. All analog audiovisual media must be digitized to preservation-quality standards prior to use. Audiovisual digitization requests are processed by an approved third-party vendor. Please note, the transfer time required can be as little as several weeks to as long as several months and there may be financial costs associated with the process. Requests should be directed through the Ask Us Form.

Credit this material:

Dimitris Constantine Photographs of Greece; Manuscripts Division, Department of Special Collections, Princeton University Library

Permanent URL:
http://arks.princeton.edu/ark:/88435/5712m655m
Location:
Firestone Library
One Washington Road
Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
(609) 258-3184
Storage Note:
  • Firestone Library (scamss): Box 1-5