Subject: Istanbul, Turkey
Period: 1684 (dated)
Publication:
Color: Hand Color
Size:
20.5 x 15.3 inches
52.1 x 38.9 cm
This rare folio sheet contains two superb views of the strategic region between the Mediterranean and Black seas. At top is a finely rendered bird's-eye panorama of Constantinople from across the Bosphorus. A legend names and locates 18 important buildings, such as the Seraglio, Hagia Sophia, several mosques, etc. The Galata Tower is shown, as is the entrance to the Golden Horn before any bridges were built. At bottom is a bird's-eye view of the Dardanelles, which is guarded by the European fortress of Sesto (Sestos) and Abido, (Abydos) its counterpart in Asia.
References:
Condition: A
There is some minor soil in the margins and a professionally repaired tear at the bottom edge, well away from the views.