View of the Dardanelles, Ottoman Fortress, Antique Engraving, circa 1820

This antique engraving, a view of the Dardanelles, is an early nineteenth century London engraving, circa 1815 to 1830, showing an Ottoman fortress guarding the narrow strait between Europe and Asia. The plate is lettered "View of the Dardanelles".

A fortress with round towers stands at the water's edge while sailing ships and a galley ride the choppy sea, and a second fort can be seen across the strait. Figures in Turkish dress and small rowing boats occupy the foreground. The Dardanelles, the ancient Hellespont, controlled the passage from the Aegean to Constantinople and the Black Sea, and its castles were a constant subject of interest for British readers during the Napoleonic Wars and after, when the British fleet forced the strait in 1807.

The plate has no publisher's imprint and names no artist or engraver. Its format and style are the same as those of the Thomas Kelly plates in this group, and it is probably from one of the illustrated geographies or histories published in parts in London around 1815 to 1830, though the publisher cannot be stated with certainty. It is a line engraving printed in black and is uncoloured.

This Dardanelles engraving would appeal to collectors of Ottoman and Levantine views, of maritime prints or of the history of the eastern Mediterranean. It would look well framed alongside views of Constantinople and the Greek islands in a study or library.

The sheet is in good condition for its age, with light toning, a few small spots and a small stain at the lower right edge of the margin; the image is clean.

This is an original antique print, not a modern reproduction. This item is sold unframed. Any framed or interior images are shown for presentation and inspiration only, unless the listing explicitly states that the item is sold framed.