Constantinople

This etching of Constantinople offers a captivating panoramic view of the city. The focal point is the Hippodrome—an ancient circus that served as the social and sporting hub during the Byzantine era. Originally built for chariot races and other entertainment, the Hippodrome dominates the scene. In the bustling foreground, we see a lively array of figures and animals, including a central caravan of camels.

On either side of the open space, Melling frames the Hippodrome with traditional buildings, while in the background he depicts several minarets, tall slender towers of a mosque from which the summons to prayer is cried by the muezzin from their balconies. The sky is filled with clouds, adding depth and a sense of movement to the overall composition as it captures the architectural grandeur and the vibrant life of its inhabitants.

Anton Ignaz Melling

Melling, a German artist, architect, and explorer, was renowned for his intricate views of Constantinople, where he lived for 18 years.

After his sculptor father passed away, he was raised by his painter uncle, Joseph Melling. During his youth, he visited his older brother and studied Architecture and Mathematics. His travels took him to Italy, Egypt, and finally to Constantinople, where he joined the Russian Ambassador’s household to create artwork for various dignitaries.

In Constantinople, Melling was introduced to Princess Hatice Sultan, the sister and close advisor of Ottoman Sultan Selim III. On her recommendation, he was appointed as the Imperial Architect by Selim III. In 1795, Hatice Sultan commissioned Melling to design a labyrinth for her palace at Ortaköy, inspired by the garden of the Danish ambassador, Baron Hübsch. Impressed with his work, she later asked him to redecorate the palace interior and design a new neoclassical palace at Defterdarburnu. Melling also created clothing and jewellery designs for her.

Later in his career, Melling became the landscape painter for Empress Josephine, the wife of Emperor Napoleon. By 1809, he had established an engraving studio to reproduce his completed drawings.