“A Different View”– Caecilie Seler-Sachs (1855-1935)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18441/ind.v41i1.161-174Keywords:
Caecilie Seler-Sachs, Eduard Seler, photography, correspondence, Mesoamerican cultures, 19th-20th centuriesAbstract
Eduard Seler’s wife Caecilie Seler-Sachs is commonly regarded as his collaborator in his writing and photography. Throughout her life, she attached more importance to promoting her husband’s work than to her own recognition. As a result, her work had to be ‘rediscovered,’ as, for example, in the late 20th century when two of her books were republished (Seler-Sachs 1984; 1992) and extensively discussed.
This article centres on an exchange of letters as well as Caecilie’s work as a photographer. The correspondence between Caecilie and Eduard from the summer of 1884, which was analysed for the first time for this work, led to their engagement. One of Caecilie’s surviving reflections provides a unique insight into her decision in favour of Eduard as her future companion.
As a photographer, Caecilie was one of the first women with professional training and her own darkroom. She took her equipment with her on the most arduous journeys and was prepared to go to great lengths and take risks for the prospect of a good photograph.
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