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Pascal Sébah Most Popular Paintings

The 2 artworks by Pascal Sébah our visitors ask for most, ranked by popularity and presented one by one, with the specification and the price of each hand-painted reproduction.

Edition 2026 · 2 artworks Each artwork painted to order
Linen canvas · Certificate of authenticity · Delivered worldwide Pascal Sébah · 1823 – 1886

Fındıklı

Pera Museum, Istanbul · original 258 x 335 cm

Pascal Sébah (1823-1886) was a pivotal figure in Ottoman photography, pioneering techniques and partnering with Henri Bechard to capture the grandeur of Istanbul, Egypt & Anatolia. His studio ‘El Chark’ produced iconic images reflecting the era. Istanbul 1823 1886 Pascal Sébah Turkey This striking black and white photograph showcases Istanbul’s bustling harbor scene, featuring numerous boats

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 1 of 2 artworks by Pascal Sébah
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17836 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

Çırağan Palace

Pera Museum, Istanbul · original 262 x 344 cm

Pascal Sébah’s ‘Çırağan Palace’ (1886) is a monumental albumen print capturing 19th-century Istanbul's grandeur. Explore this photographic masterpiece of architectural realism.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 2 of 2 artworks by Pascal Sébah
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17836 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

The artist

Pascal Sébah

1823 – 1886

Quick facts

Museums on APSPera Museum
NationalityTurkey
Top 3 worksFındıklı, Çırağan Palace
Art period19th Century
Also known asSébah, Pascal Sebah, Sebah
Works on APS2

Biography

Pascal Sébah: A Pioneer of Ottoman Photography

Early Life and Origins

Born: Istanbul, Turkey in 1823.
Parentage: Pascal Sébah’s father was Syrian, and his mother was Armenian, reflecting the diverse cultural landscape of the Ottoman Empire.
Early influences remain somewhat obscure, but growing up in a cosmopolitan city like Istanbul undoubtedly exposed him to various artistic traditions.

Career Beginnings and Collaboration with Henri Bechard

Sébah began his photographic career around 1860, initially working in collaboration with the French photographer Henri Bechard.
This partnership was crucial for Sébah’s early technical development and exposure to European photographic techniques.
Their work gained recognition at the International Exhibition in Paris, providing a platform for Sébah's emerging talent.

Establishing “El Chark” (The Orient)

Following their success, Sébah decided to establish his own studio in 1857, named “El Chark” (The Orient).
Located on Grande Rue de Pera in Istanbul, the studio quickly became a hub for both locals and tourists seeking photographic portraits and views of the city.
Strategic Location: Its proximity to embassies and hotels made it easily accessible to foreign visitors.

Photographic Style and Subject Matter

Sébah’s style was characterized by his use of large-format cameras, allowing for exceptional detail and clarity.
Architectural Photography: He became renowned for capturing the grandeur of Istanbul's architecture, including palaces like Çırağan Palace and mosques.
Portraiture: Sébah also excelled in portrait photography, documenting the diverse people of the Ottoman Empire.
His work extended beyond Istanbul to include scenes from Egypt and Anatolia.

Major Achievements and Recognition

International Exhibition Success: Early recognition at international exhibitions boosted his reputation.
Expansion to Cairo: In 1873, Sébah opened a second studio in Cairo, capitalizing on the growing demand for photographs from tourists visiting Egypt.
Collaboration with Osman Hamdi Bey: He formed a valuable working relationship with Turkish painter and archaeologist Osman Hamdi Bey, providing photographic documentation for his artistic projects.

Legacy and Historical Significance

After Sébah’s death in 1886, the studio continued to operate under the management of his brother Cosmi and later with Polycarpe Joaillier, becoming known as Sebah & Joaillier.
Pioneering Ottoman Photography: Sébah is considered a pioneer in documenting the Ottoman Empire through photography, providing invaluable visual records of 19th-century life and culture.
His work offers insights into the architecture, people, and landscapes of Istanbul, Egypt, and Anatolia.
Museum Collections: His photographs are now held in prestigious museums such as the Pera Museum in Istanbul.

Questions & Answers

What moods do Pascal Sébah's artworks express?

Pascal Sébah's works can be browsed by mood on the artist's Mood Room page, which arranges the artworks by their recorded moods.

Where can I see Pascal Sébah's artworks in chronological order?

A timeline of Pascal Sébah's works exists: the artist's Artwork Timeline page orders the artworks by creation date.

What other names is Pascal Sébah known by?

Pascal Sébah appears under the alternate names Sébah, Pascal Sebah, Sebah.

Collector's quiz

Pascal Sébah is best known for his photographs documenting which regions?
Sébah initially collaborated with which photographer before opening his own studio?
What was the name of Sébah's studio, reflecting its focus?
Sébah's work often catered to which growing market in the 19th century?
After Sébah's death, his studio continued under the name of…?

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