View of Istanbul Map, 1572

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Byzantium Nunc Constantinopolis – Braun & Hogenberg View of Istanbul, Cologne, 1572

This iconic 16th-century bird’s-eye view titled “Byzantium Nunc … Read more Byzantium Nunc Constantinopolis – Braun & Hogenberg View of Istanbul, Cologne, 1572

This iconic 16th-century bird’s-eye view titled “Byzantium Nunc Constantinopolis” presents the city of Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul) in extraordinary detail, as it appeared in the early Ottoman period. It was published by Georg Braun and Frans Hogenberg in the first volume of their celebrated city atlas Civitates Orbis Terrarum (Cologne, 1572), the most important and ambitious city-view collection of the Renaissance. The engraving shows the city from the Sea of Marmara, looking northward across the Golden Horn. The walled peninsula of old Constantinople is densely filled with red-roofed buildings, interspersed with domes and minarets. Prominent features include the Hagia Sophia, the Topkapi complex, and the bustling harbor areas. Across the water lies the district of Pera (Galata), with its own fortifications and winding streets. The sea is animated with richly detailed ships, galleys, and trading vessels, underlining the city's status as a maritime and cultural crossroads. The foreground features a group of mounted Ottoman figures—likely representing Sultan Selim II and his court—offering a theatrical introduction to the scene and emphasizing the imperial grandeur of the city under Ottoman rule. The background is framed by lush hills and careful topographical detail, creating a deep and immersive composition. This engraving is hand-colored, likely in the 16th or early 17th century, preserving the rich visual appeal typical of deluxe copies of the 'Civitates'. Each building, tree, and wall is rendered with intricate care, making this not only a work of cartography but also a decorative and historical artifact of great cultural significance.

Condition: Good overall. Age-related foxing and browning present, particularly in the margins, but the paper remains strong and stable. Early hand-coloring is well-preserved and still vibrant. No loss of image or text. Horizontal centerfold as issued.

Framing tips: This important map deserves a museum-quality mount, ideally in a walnut or gold frame with an archival off-white or antique-cream mat. UV-protective glass is recommended to preserve the original color.

Technique: Copperplate engraving with original hand-coloring Maker: Georg Braun & Frans Hogenberg, Cologne, 1572 From: *Civitates Orbis Terrarum*, Volume I See less