superb evocative plates of Constantinople, its people and their customs

A native of Malta, Preziosi first visited Istanbul in 1842; depicting the city and its people in their distinctive costumes and attitudes was to be the focus for his artistic career thereafter. In the 1850s he worked for the Illustrated London News, Preziosi was invited in 1866 to paint the official portrait of the Ottoman Sultan Abdülaziz for the Turkish Pavilion of the 1867 Universal Exhibition in Paris. During his time in Constantinople, which he made his home, Preziosi was the most popular painter in the city.

Preziosi's gift for depicting people and costume, and free flowing lines, along with attention to small details, make his work particularly appealing, and inspired a school of followers.

Second edition, folio (58 x 43.5 cm.), pictorial lithographed title printed in sepia, 28 chromo-lithographed plates, table of contents at end, original cloth gilt, spine faded, a very good example.

Blackmer 1353; cf. Atabey 999; Colas 2422