James Robertson; Felice Beato

The photographic partnership of James Robertson and Felice Beato was intensely active between 1853 and 1855, documenting architectural sites and military campaigns during a critical period in nineteenth-century history. Their collective output is defined by early documentary photography, emphasizing clarity, detail, and scale in historical settings.

Their work provides significant insight into architectural landmarks and military logistics. Fifteen of their photographic prints are represented in museum collections, confirming their historical importance. Key works held in institutions like the National Gallery of Art include detailed architectural studies such as Fountain at Sultan Ahmed Mosque, Istanbul, Church of Sts. Peter and Paul, and Courtyard with Domed Building in Ruins. Their documentary efforts also produced powerful records of military life, exemplified by Camp of the 17th Regiment and Distant View of the Arsenal.

The collaborative nature of James Robertson; Felice Beato prints ensures their place in the history of early war and travel photography. As historical artifacts, their images are widely studied. Due to the age of the material, many of these photographic records are considered part of the public domain, allowing for their reproduction as museum-quality images and downloadable artwork for research purposes.