Views of Asia · 18th century
€ 1 200
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Good condition. Some browning and soiling, mainly around the edges. Offset in the top (sky), otherwise nice impression with strong colors. Study the image carefully.
This rare and exquisite view depicts the strategic Dardanelles strait, the narrow passage between the Aegean and the Sea of Marmara with the distant cityscape of Istanbul. Part of the series "Med. Fol. N. 62" as indicated in the bottom left and marked with the number 252 in the top right corner.
The piece showcases the European side with the Kilitbahir Fortress on the left, and the Asian side with the Çimenlik Fortress on the right. Dominating the distant background is the city of Constantinople, situated along the shores of the Sea of Marmara. The etching is animated with the activity of various sailing ships and boats, illustrating the vibrancy of this crucial maritime route.
Published by Georg Balthasar Probst in Augsburg, Germany, and dating from between 1742 and 1801, this colored etching is a testament to the artistic and cartographic skills of the period, as well as to the significance of the Dardanelles in international trade and military history. The work comes with the privilege granted by Joseph II, the German emperor, enhancing its historical value. The watermark inscription suggests a link to Turkish possessions, likely referring to the Ottoman control of the region. This etching is a splendid representation of an era where maritime prowess was pivotal, and it holds both artistic and historical significance.
Technical details:
View of the sea strait the Dardanelles. Prospect of the Sea Narrow at the Dardanelles (title on object). Dardanelles (series title)
Object type: print, optical print
Inscriptions / Brands: watermark inscription, recto bottom left, handwritten: ‘entrance of the / Hellespont or Black Sea / Turkish possession’
Publisher: Georg Balthasar Probst (mentioned on object), printmaker: anonymous, grantor of privilege: Joseph II (German emperor) (mentioned on object)
Place of manufacture: publisher: Augsburg, printmaker: Germany
Date: 1742 - 1801
Physical characteristics: colored etching
Material: paper, watercolor
Technique: etching / brush
The series “Dardanelles”, with the number 62, contains two prints with the numbers 252 and 253, of which this is number 252.
