Buildings / Architecture 17th View of Century Constantinopel

Buildings / Architecture 17th View of Century Constantinopel, 17th Century. This detailed view of Constantinople, modern-day Istanbul, is based on a composition first published by Matthäus Merian in 1638. Several versions of this view are known, each with variations in engraving and decorative elements; the present example is by an as-yet unidentified engraver. A distinguishing feature of this edition is the vignette in the lower right, where a single turbaned figure is shown accompanied by four dogs, a scene that differs in composition from other known variants.

**Geographic Setting and Viewpoint**

The scene is drawn from the Asian shore of the Bosphorus at ancient Chalcedon, present-day Kad?köy, looking across to the Golden Horn and the historic peninsula. The European side appears along the horizon, where the city’s skyline can be identified despite the reduced scale. Major landmarks including Hagia Sophia, the great imperial mosques, and Topkap? Palace are visible, while the fortified walls encircle the city with numerous towers, some now lost. The aqueduct of Valens is also depicted and referenced in the accompanying key.

**Urban Detail and Daily Life**

The map includes a remarkable level of architectural and urban detail, with churches, administrative buildings, and palaces rendered across the cityscape. The Bosphorus is active with shipping, while large birds animate the sky above. A numbered key below identifies thirty ?????? structures, most located on the European side. In the foreground, the Anatolian shore is shown as a hilly, wooded landscape populated with figures on foot and horseback, often accompanied by dogs, alongside depictions of ancient ruins that hint at the area’s earlier history.

The vantage point, now part of the modern district of Kad?köy, occupies a site long known as Chalcedon, historically referred to as the “Land of the Blind,” a reflection of its less advantageous position compared to the defensible European shore. Today, this area forms a dense urban district, a striking contrast to the semi-rural landscape depicted here over four centuries ago.

**Condition**: This map on fine watermarked hand laid paper is in excellent condition. Some minimal thinning of paper in two places. Thinning visible only when held up to light. A spot of ink or some other substance on the verso seems to have contributed to this in one small area. 10.25 x 14.75 inches (26 x 37.5 cm)..