Louis de Laborde, View of Geyre (Ancient Aphrodisias), Lithograph, 1840

Details

Description

General View of Geyre (Ancient Aphrodisias) – Lithograph by Louis de Laborde, circa 1840 This detailed 19th-century lithograph titled Quierá … Read more General View of Geyre (Ancient Aphrodisias) – Lithograph by Louis de Laborde, circa 1840 This detailed 19th-century lithograph titled Quierá – Vue Générale de la Ville Moderne et des Ruines d’Aphrodisias offers a sweeping panorama of the village of Geyre in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), situated amid the ruins of the ancient Greco-Roman city of Aphrodisias. The view captures the fertile valley and gently rising hills, with the historic village nestled in the center, framed by mountains and cypress trees in the distance. Drawn by Louis de Laborde and lithographed by Frey, this image is one of a series documenting the classical sites of Asia Minor. Louis de Laborde (1800–1869), a French archaeologist, traveler, and artist, was known for his beautifully composed and historically valuable depictions of the eastern Mediterranean. The print likely dates from around 1840, a period of heightened European interest in the ancient world and the integration of modern topography with antiquity. In the foreground, two Ottoman figures dressed in traditional attire converse among rocky outcrops and ancient ruins, bridging the past and present. Their presence enhances the scene’s narrative character, inviting the viewer into a moment of cultural continuity and exploration. Behind them spreads the modern settlement, its low buildings interspersed with trees and ruins—an evocative blend of daily life and archaeological grandeur. The lithograph is printed in warm sepia tones, creating a sense of calm and reverence appropriate to the subject matter. Such prints were intended not only as works of art but also as historical records for armchair travelers and scholars interested in the remnants of the classical world. Condition report: The print is in very good condition. The image is clear and well preserved, with only minor foxing along the lower edge and a few faint spots in the margins. The sheet is full and untrimmed, with no major defects. Framing suggestions: This landscape scene is best presented in a classic gold or light walnut frame. A soft cream or warm beige mat will complement the sepia palette and emphasize the depth of the landscape. UV-protective glass is advised to ensure long-term preservation. A perfect addition for collectors of antiquities-themed art, classical archaeology, or 19th-century Orientalist travel views. See less