AMERICAN COLONY POSTCARDS, c. 1930s

A large collection of fine postcards published by the American Colony, Jerusalem.

144 postcards (approx. 84 x 135 mm.), each with photographic illustrations of Palestine and its citizens. Jerusalem: [c. 1930s].

SHARP, CLEAR, DARK IMPRESSIONS OF RARE AMERICAN COLONY POSTCARDS. The American Colony was founded in 1881 by Anna and Horatio Spafford, who led a small contingent of Americans to Jerusalem to create a Christian Utopian society. Philanthropic in its aims, the Colony engaged in charitable works in Jerusalem in order to alleviate the suffering of the poorest locals, opening soup kitchens, hospitals, and orphanages. Though shunned by the American consuls for their unusual lifestyle, members of the Colony were embraced by the native Jewish and Arab populations for their altruism. From the early 20th century, the Colony began to develop a photographic division for financial support and, during the war, was asked by the Turkish commanders to document life behind the lines in Palestine. A very important collection which highlights the ways in which presentations of Palestinian nationhood were created and conveyed.

Please note that this lot is the property of a private collector.