1901 Tyroler View of Istanbul from across the Bosporus

This is a scarce 1901 drypoint view of Istanbul / Constantinople published by James Tyroler. The view looks north on the Golden Horn from across the Bosporus. The distinctive domes and minarets of the Blue Mosque are clearly recognizable. In the distance the waterfront Dolmabahçe Palace is discernable. The foreground is occupied by sailing and fishing vessels.

Drypoint

Drypoint, or drypoint etching, is a type of intaglio printmaking in which the image is scratched directly onto a copper or zinc plate using a diamond or steel point needle / stylus. Because the image is scratched rather than cut (as with engraving) into the plate, the lines will acquire tiny burrs, caused by the scratching action and steep angle of the needle. When ink is applied, it sticks to the burrs, giving the lines a 'soft' look. Under high magnification, the burrs are visible. Because the burrs, tiny shards of metal attached to the plate, are fragile, drypoint etchings tend to have very limited runs before the plate is worn out.

Publication History and Census

This view was published in New York in 1901 by James Tyroler. Like most of Tyroler's etchings, this one is signed in the lower right by the artist. Unfortunately, like most of Tyroler's etchings, the artist's signature is unreadable. In this case it appears to be 'H. B. Hark', but we can identify no New York artist of this name. Uncommon.