Tyrkia, Constantinople; Braun & Hogenberg - Byzantium Nunc Constantinopolis - 1575

"Byzantium nunc Constantinopolis"
Published in 1575
by Braun & Hogenberg, Cologne
Black and white, copper engraved birds eye view of Istanbul- Constantinople from the first volume of Braun & Hogenberg's Civitas Orbis Terrarum. Latin text to verso. Second state of the view, with the roundel at the right including the portrait of Sultan Murad III.
One of the finest and most sought-after views of Istanbul. Viewed from the village of Scutari, the City is shown with all its fortifications, the original Genouse district of Galata on the opposite bank of the Golden Horn to the right. European galleons and Turkish galleys fill the seas of the Bosporus and Golden Horn. The great buildings of 16th century Istanbul during the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent can be clearly seen, including the "Suleymaniye Mosque" and the "Topkapi" palace. The lower center is filled with a parading Turkish horseman and troop of Janissaries.
The Braun and Hogenberg view is one of the finest and most sought-after depictions of Istanbul. Viewed across the Bosphorus from the village of Scutari (Üsküdar), the city is shown with an emphasis on its fortifications and famous buildings. Pera-Galata is across the Golden Horn, to the right of the view.

Many of the great buildings of the city are evident, including the Topkapi Palace. The Hagia Sophia is near to the palace, while the many-domed Fatih Mosque complex sprawls toward the western city walls. Just outside the city walls, at left, is the rising Tekfur Palace. In Pera are the new shipyards.

Along the view’s lower edge, Suleiman the Magnificent rides at the center. The Ottomans sultans have their portraits on either side of him, from Osman Bey to Murad III.

Measurements : 55.5 x 41.5 cm

#ExclusiveCabinetofCuriosities