- 419
Melling, Antoine Ignace.
Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 GBP
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Description
- Voyage pittoresque de Constantinople et des rives du Bosphore. Paris: Treuttel et Würtz, 1819
- paper
First edition, 2 volumes (text and atlas) bound in one, folio (722 x 540mm.), half-title, engraved portrait frontispiece of Sultan Selim III, letterpress title with gold printed tughra, engraved double-page title, 3 double-page engraved maps and plans, and 48 double-page plates, all in proof state before letters and many before numbers, by Duparc, Schroeder, Née, Dupréel, Dessaulx, Marillier and others after Melling, near contemporary red half calf, uncut, without the engraved title to accompany the text, somewhat spotted, occasionally heavy (mainly to text or verso of plate), edge of some text leaves a bit browned or soiled, binding slightly rubbed, split at foot of upper joint
Literature
Atabey 798; Blackmer 1105
Condition
the condition of this lot is as described in the catalogue description
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
A handsome copy of the grandest book of engraved views of Constantinople. This is the largest copy by some way to be offered at auction that we have been able to trace.
Antoine Ignace Melling (1763-1831), provided the earliest interior views and plans of the harem and palaces of Sultan Selim III. After completing a number of building projects for Selim, he returned to Paris in about 1803 and in 1804 issued a prospectus for this work. Publication eventually began in 1809 and thirteen livraisons were issued, the work being completed by 1819. The outstanding success of the exhibition of the paintings on which the Voyage pittoresque was based earned Melling the title of painter to the Empress Joséphine.
Antoine Ignace Melling (1763-1831), provided the earliest interior views and plans of the harem and palaces of Sultan Selim III. After completing a number of building projects for Selim, he returned to Paris in about 1803 and in 1804 issued a prospectus for this work. Publication eventually began in 1809 and thirteen livraisons were issued, the work being completed by 1819. The outstanding success of the exhibition of the paintings on which the Voyage pittoresque was based earned Melling the title of painter to the Empress Joséphine.