Mediterranean, Black Sea & Ottoman Empire Map 1853
€ 540
Original antique · The actual sheet photographed · Certificate of authenticity on request · Sold unframed · Worldwide shipping from € 15 (rates)
Date
1853
Technique
Copperplate engraving with original hand coloring, used to differentiate political territories and enhance geographical features. German titles and fine annota
Sheet size
37.5 × 45.4 cm (14.8 × 17.9 in)
Condition
Good
Reference
BG-05552-45
What the condition grades mean
Excellent
Bright and clean, with no faults worth mentioning.
Very good
Only light signs of age, such as faint toning.
Good
Normal signs of age for a sheet of this period: toning, some foxing, small marks or neat old repairs.
Fair
Clear faults such as staining, tears or repairs, priced to match.
Every fault we see is written in the condition note, and the whole sheet is shown uncropped in the photos.
Condition
Condition summary: Excellent condition with minimal age toning, strong impression, and no tears, repairs, or significant foxing. Colors remain fresh and the paper is firm and stable.
About this sheet
Mediterranean, Black Sea & Ottoman Empire Map 1853
This impressive antique print shows the Mediterranean and Black Sea regions with a focus on the Ottoman Empire, titled “Das Mittelländische und Schwarze Meer nebst Übersicht der Länder des Osmanischen Reichs” meaning “The Mediterranean and Black Sea with an overview of the countries of the Ottoman Empire.” Published in 1853 by Justus Perthes in Gotha as part of Adolf Stieler’s celebrated Hand-Atlas, this map was created under the cartographic supervision of Heinrich Berghaus and engraved by F. v. Stülpnagel.
The map covers Southern Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia, including Italy, Greece, Turkey, Egypt, the Levant, the Arabian Peninsula, and extending east towards Persia. Major cities such as Constantinople (Istanbul), Cairo, Alexandria, Damascus, Baghdad, and Mecca are clearly labeled. It details mountain ranges, river systems, and the territorial divisions within the Ottoman Empire.
Inset maps include: – Madeira and Canary Islands – Jerusalem – Environs of Constantinople
This map is significant as it captures the Ottoman Empire during its final century, illustrating its territorial extent just before the Crimean War (1853–1856) and the subsequent gradual decline of its influence. It is a valuable historical record for understanding 19th-century geopolitics, trade routes, and European colonial interests in the region.
Condition summary: Excellent condition with minimal age toning, strong impression, and no tears, repairs, or significant foxing. Colors remain fresh and the paper is firm and stable.
Framing tips: This large Ottoman Empire and Mediterranean map will look distinguished in a dark wood or black frame to emphasize its historical gravitas, paired with a wide ivory or cream mount to balance its composition. UV-protective glass is recommended to preserve the clarity of its engraving and original colors for long-term display.
