Antique Istanbul Panorama from Mount Bulgurlu, Constantinople – Bartlett, c.1839
A beautifully composed panoramic view of Constantinople as seen from Mount Bulgurlu, after W.H. Bartlett, one of the most influential travel artists of the 19th century. This engraving presents a sweeping vista across the Bosporus toward the historic skyline of Istanbul, dotted with domes and minarets and animated by ships moving through the water.
Published in London around 1839 by Fisher, Son & Co., the print exemplifies the romantic yet topographically accurate style that made Bartlett’s work so widely admired. The foreground, with figures resting beneath trees and a caravan scene, adds narrative charm and scale to the expansive city view beyond.
The composition is particularly effective in its layering: from the shaded foreground to the luminous water and the distant city bathed in soft atmospheric light. The delicate hand-coloring enhances this depth, with subtle greens, blues, and warm tones harmonizing across the landscape.
Panoramic views such as this were among the most desirable images for 19th-century collectors and remain highly decorative today, offering both historical interest and strong visual impact.
Note: All items we offer are authentic period works of art over 100 years old. The print is sold unframed; any framed images are shown for presentation and interior inspiration only.
Condition:
Good condition. General age toning and some scattered foxing, primarily in the margins. Plate mark visible. Image area remains bright with attractive original coloring.
Framing tips:
Ideal for a wide mount and a classic dark wood or ebonized frame to enhance the panoramic effect. Also suitable for a lighter, Paris-style presentation for a brighter interior.
Technique: Steel engraving with original hand-coloring
Maker: W.H. Bartlett (after), engraved by R. Brandard, London, circa 1839
Keywords:
Constantinople panorama, Istanbul antique...
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century British Prints