Louis-Emile Pinel de Grandchamp

Private Collection (acquired by the 1950s)

The canvas has been relined. There are some minor thin lines of craquelure located primarily in the centre of the sky which are not visually distracting. Ultra-violet light reveals notably a pattern of clustered short, thin strokes and spots of retouching overall in the sky, strokes in the large arch of the Mosque, an area in the extreme lower-left corner, and a few other scattered minor spots. The overall appearance of the work is good and it is clean and ready to hang. Presented in a decorative, wide gilt frame with floral and foliate ornaments.
"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."

The ‘Mosque of Victory’ was built in the 1820s by Kirkor Balyan who went on to found a dynasty of architects. This ornate building in the Baroque style seems more like a large palace pavilion than a mosque, with its decorative out-buildings and marble terrace. Commissioned by Mahmut II to commemorate his abolition of the Janissary corps in 1826, it faces the Selimiye Barracks across the Bosphorus (see following lot), which housed the New Army that replaced the Janissaries.