Two Photo Albums of Qajar Iran in the Hermitage Collection: On the Role of the Artist and the Commissioner

Stored in the Hermitage collection are two Qajar Iran photo albums, datable to 1890s. One of them, recently acquired for Oriental Department, includes works created studio Antoin Sevruguin (1851–1933), one most famous artists and court photographer Nasir al-Din Shah. The first owner prints, who remained unknown, made this commission not earlier than May 1896. second album is stored Library Department — branches Academic Library. Most likely, it was assembled by a Russian military man amateur Nikolay Remizov (Remizoff) around 1894. richly decorated binding ex-libris Nicholas II pasted on doublure upper cover, suggests that artwork could have been gifted emperor its author soon after his return from Iran. special interest as an illustrative source, consists photos obviously intended multiple copying, unlike extremely popular prints produced Sevruguin’s studio. Both same period similar terms their genre scope thematic contents, show different approaches collecting art foreigners visiting late 19th early 20th century. commissioner arranged illustrations according own taste, becoming full-fledged compiler. He selected ready-made works, shot years artist non-Iranian origin, who, nevertheless, had settled long time ago able depict places events hidden eyes outside observer. In case person, being observer, acted both compiler album. Though view contemporary apparently greater extent related direct observations personal impressions, status foreigner nature service must imposed certain restrictions choice locations themes work.