1493 De Expugnatione Constantinopolis
By: Hartmann Schedel
Date: 1493 (Published) Nuremberg
Dimensions: 9 x 14 inches (22.9 cm x 35.6 cm)
This hand colored woodcut is from Schedel’s famous Nuremberg Chronicle, and is a smaller version of his large view of Constantinople. The great walls of the city appear intact as the view is from the south, thus not revealing the damage inflicted by the canons used by Mehmet the Conqueror when he finally seized what was often called the ‘Golden Apple’ in 1453. The pillar on which stood the famed statue of Constantine the Great is featured, as is Hagia Sophia along with many of the churches extant at that time. The famed chains used to control travel and to extort payment for use of the waterway are clearly illustrated, and sections of these very chains may be seen today in the Archaeological Museum of Istanbul.
The events of the siege undertaken by Fatih Mehmet, and the subsequent capture of the city are described in Latin in the text on both the lower portion of the recto and the entire side of the verso.
Condition: This print is in B+ condition. It is evenly toned and foxed.
Inventory #19572
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