MELBYE, Anton
(b. 1818, København, d. 1875, Paris)

Ships in Calm Water on the Bosphorus

1863
Oil on canvas laid on board, 44 x 60 cm
Private collection

In this picture, the water is dominated by a fully rigged Royal Navy two decker steam powered war ship, moored in the middle of the strait. In the background the skyline of Istanbul is visible with the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, or Blue Mosque, on the left, and the Hagia Sophia on the right.

The painting is signed and dated lower left: 'Anton Melbye 1863'.