Title: Bonfils photographs in Middle East collections of the Fine Arts Library, Harvard University
Authors: Bonfils, Félix, 1831-1885; Bonfils, Adrien, 1861-1929; Bonfils, Lydie, 1837-1918,; Guiragossian, Abraham, 1871-1956,; Maison Bonfils (Beirut, Lebanon)
Year: 1867
Subjects: Architecture Middle East Photographs.; Monuments Middle East Photographs.; Tombs Middle East Photographs.; Pyramids of Giza (Egypt) Photographs.; Cities and towns Middle East Photographs.; Orientalism Middle East Photographs.; Ethnology Middle East Photographs.; Clothing and dress Middle East Photographs.; Middle East Antiquities Photographs.; Middle East Social life and customs Photographs.; Middle East Religion Photographs.; Jerusalem Photographs.; Egypt Photographs.
Abstract: Mid- to late-19th century photographs of the Middle East taken mostly by Félix Bonfils and his son Adrien. Intended as souvenirs for tourists, they provide an early photographic record of the geography, archaeology, architecture, ethnology, and cultural heritage of the region during a period of profound change. Images show landscapes, ancient ruins, tombs, monuments, sacred sites, cities and towns, street scenes, and indigenous peoples, including Jews and Bedouin Arabs. Of special note are panoramic views, consisting of two or more photographic prints, of Cairo, Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Damascus, Baalbek, and Beirut; views of the Pyramids of Giza; and Orientalist-style studio portraits representing people of various ethnic groups, religions, and occupations dressed in traditional costumes.