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Description

Fine early view of Constantinople and its harbor, published in Frankfurt in 1623 by Daniel Meisner.

The map is attractively engraved and shows a number of buildings, including the Hagia Sophia. The motto at the top reads "Lest the nurturing faith fall," which must surely be taken as a reference to the Ottoman occupation of the city. This is reinforced by the combination of cross and scepter shown on the view. In addition, the text at the bottom is a Biblical verse that refers to the abandonment of the Jewish homeland, drawing a comparison with Christianity's abandonment of Constantinople.

This map originally appeared in Daniel Meisner's Thesaurus Philo-Politicus. Meisner's Thesaurus is an extremely rare book of city plans showing cities, monasteries, and fortifications in Germany, Europe, and the New World. The plates are notable for the Latin mottos and emblematic verses that accompany each view.

Condition Description
Minor staining in upper right.