Catalog Archive
Auction 133, Lot 566

"Constantinopoli [and] Stretto de Dardanelli", Rossi, Giamcomo Giovanni

Subject: Istanbul, Turkey

Period: 1684 (dated)

Publication:

Color: Hand Color

Size:
20.5 x 15.3 inches
52.1 x 38.9 cm
Download High Resolution Image
(or just click on image to launch the Zoom viewer)

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.

Estimate: $2,400 - $2,750

Sold for: $1,800

Closed on 9/1/2010

Archived