Constantinople at the end of the Ottoman Period: A Young Woman’s Watercolour Album

Early 20th century watercolour pocket sketchbook which offers a visual record of time spent in the late Ottoman Empire and of British pastoral and still life scenes. The first small watercolour to the front pastedown depicts a character in national Turkish costume in a street scene and is followed by 11 more full page scenes depicting the Topanch Mosque, the Tower of Rumelli Hissa and the Galata Tower all in Constantinople, now Istanbul, and dhows and shipping in the port area.

The remaining 23 images depict a grand British home, possibly named Peterfield dated 1904, coastal scenes (West Bay), still lives, rural scenes and portraits of a pet dog.

Laid in is a pencil drawing inscribed to the rear ‘Mother with best wishes for a happy New Year from Gretchen / My room Dresden’ and a watercolour of Galata Tower initialled G.D., inscribed to rear ‘Constantinople /1902/ Galata/ Gretchen’. The front board is also marked ‘G.D.’.

In very good condition. Canvas boards very sound, aged as expected with original canvas wrap closure and pencil housed to rear. Splitting over front gutters, therefore a little delicate but otherwise sound and clean throughout. 44 watercolours to versos.