- 36
G. Zambelli
Description
- G. Zambelli
- The Harbour, Constantinople
- signed and dated G. Zambelli / Costantinopoli 1891 lower right
- oil on canvas
- 123 by 285.5cm., 48½ by 112½in.
Provenance
Condition
"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
The moored ships are serviced by lighters of various types tasked with transferring their precious cargos to warehouses lining the Golden Horn, Karaköy and Tophane. Wending its way between them is a local steam vessel called a vapur, its name derived from the Italian vaporetto, used to ferry the public between the two sides of the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn. Beyond, the skyline of Constantinople reigns majestic, taking in, from left to right, the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, the Beyazit Tower, the New (Yeni) Mosque, the Süleymaniye Mosque, the entrance to the Golden Horn, and the district of Pera, dominated by the Galata Tower.
Since its foundation under the name of Byzantion around 660 BC, Istanbul developed to become one of the most significant commercial and cultural centres in history. After its re-establishment as Constantinople in 330 AD, it served as an imperial capital for almost sixteen centuries. Lying on the historic Silk Road, and with its proximity to both Europe and the Middle East and commanding position on the only sea route between the Mediterranean and the Black Sea, Istanbul was instrumental in the advancement of global commerce as early as Roman and Byzantine times.