Melling, Antoine Ignace.

first edition, 2 volumes, folio (691 x 526mm. and 954 x 644mm.), half-title and title-page with gold-printed tughra in text volume, engraved title-page in plate volume, engraved portrait of Selim III by Heinrich Karl Müller after Anicet Charles Gabriel Lemoine, 48 large engraved plates by Dupare, Schroeder, Née, Dupréel and others after Melling, 3 engraved maps by J.B. Barbié du Bocage after F. Kauffer, text volume in contemporary olive half morocco gilt, atlas volume in contemporary olive morocco, gilt neoclassical roll-tooled border, edges gilt (spines of both volumes uniform), usual spotting and slight discoloration affecting text and some plates, upper hinge of atlas volume neatly repaired, bindings slightly rubbed and lower fore-corners bumped

Blackmer 1105; Atabey 798

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

a copy of the grandest of all books on constantinople, edge-bound, with the plates not folded, the most desirable state.

Melling (1763-1831), having studied architecture and painting, went to the Levant at the age of nineteen and remained in Constantinople for eighteen years. In 1795 Melling was charged by the Sultan's daughter to renovate her palace at Ortakeuï. He was consequently granted access to the Sultan's palaces, including the Harem, Melling's sketches of which provided the earliest interior views. Having completed various projects for Selim III, Melling returned to Paris in 1803.

A prospectus for Voyage pittoresque appeared in 1804, but production did not start until 1809 and was not completed until 1819: appearing in thirteen livraisons. The outstanding success of the exhibitions on which the work was based earned Melling the title of Painter to the Empress Josephine.