These four lovely views depict the Dardanelles, formerly called the Hellespont, a narrow strait connecting the Aegean Sea and the Sea of Marmora. The Dardanelles serve as the dividing line between Europe and Asia and serve as an important waterway. Included are:

A. Dardanel d'Natolia [on sheet with] Dardanel Verso, Grecia, by Alphonsus Lasor a Varea, published 1713, hand color (6.8 x 3.8"). This sheet contains two views of fortifications guarding the narrowest part of the strategic Dardanelles. The two fortresses (Kale Sultanieh and Kilitbahir) were built in 1451 by Sultan Mehmet II. On verso is an uncolored map of the Danube River. On a full sheet of Italian text 8.5 x 12.5". Condition: Bit of printer's ink residue, else fine. (A)

B. Gezigt van de Hellespont en van de Zee van Marmora, by Isaac Tirion, circa 1734, hand color (6.1 x 5.0"). Lovely little view of the Dardanelles with several fortifications along the waterway and Constantinople in the far background. The ancient city of Troy is shown at bottom right. The important points are noted on a 16-point key below. Condition: Minor marginal toning. (A)

C. Diverse Viste delli Dardaneli del' Strecio come delle Citta e Castelli nel Arcipelago, by Joannis and Jacobus Peeters, circa 1665, black & white (10.4 x 4.1"). A lovely view of two fortifications along the Dardanelles, engraved by Lucas Vorsterman. Numerous ships sail through the waterway and three windmills are depicted along the shore in the foreground. Condition: Remargined at right with some light soiling and foxing at right. (B+)

D. Sestos [on sheet with] Abidos [and] Detroit de Gallipoli, by Alain Manesson Mallet, from Description de l’Univers, circa 1683, black & white (4.2 x 5.8"). This sheet includes a nice view of the Dardanelles with several fortifications along the shores and ships sailing the strait. At top are close-up views of two fortifications: Sestos and Abydos. French text on verso describing the city of Constantinople. Condition: A dark impression on a sheet with part of a medallion watermark and light toning along the edges of the sheet. (A)

References:

Condition:

See description above.