Contents and Arrangement

"Phyle", dates not examined

1 box

Collection Overview

Collection Description & Creator Information

Description:

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″).

Collection History

Archival Appraisal Information:

No appraisal information is available.

Access & Use

Access Restrictions:

Collection is open for research use.

Conditions for Reproduction and 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.

Credit this material:

"Phyle"; Dimitris Constantine Photographs of Greece, C0887, Manuscripts Division, Department of Special Collections, Princeton University Library

Location:
Firestone Library
One Washington Road
Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
(609) 258-3184
Storage Note:
Firestone Library (mss): Box 2