Costantinopoli

UNKNOWN PROOF STATE, before the key numbers and the numeric legend at the bottom; the lower part of the plate with a space for a larger legend here

The view is very similar to that ascribed to Balthasar Jenichen, and illustrated only by Hollstein (and then by Meurer), while Andresen (Handbuch fur Kupferstichsamrnler, 1870-73) report only the title of the work. But in comparison with the illustrations in Hollstein and Meurer, the present, masterfully engraved leaf is different. Comparing it with the other plates by Jenichen it's clear that the image illustrated in Hollstein and Meurer is the wrong one!

We are able to find only another copy of the map, in the collection of the Stanford University.

https://purl.stanford.edu/bq807my1592

This example is complete, with the key legend at the bottom and the numbers inside the view. The map is ascribed by the museum's curator to Jenichen. From the lettering of the legend, and comparing it with the other signed Jenichen's maps, it's clear that this is the original plate.

Etching with engraving, circa 1570/75, printed on contemporary laid paper with watermark "Coat of arms with a bird" (cf. Woodward 86), with margins, very good condition. The watermark was found by Woodward in another German broadsheet — Das is die wahrhafte Contrafettung des stat Zara in Dalmatia (Newberry Library 2F60), dated 1571. Verso old annotations in ink.

Example from the Fritz Hellwig collection. A very rare broadsheet of Istanbul, that we are not able to find in any Public Collection.

Balthasar Jenichen (printmaker; German; Male; 1560 fl. - 1599 died) is also known as Jenisch, Balthasar. Etcher and engraver, began his career in the workshop of Virgil Solis; after Solis's death in 1562, he married his widow and carried on the shop until his own death.

Literature

Bachmann III, 223; Drugulin I, 433; Andresen II, Nr. 281; Hollstein XV B, 146; Meurer, Peter H., 'Karten und Topographica des Niirnberger Kupferstechers Balthasar Jenichen', p. 46, 7; Passavant IV, 203, 60; Heller, Zusatze, 76.