Description:

FAUSTO ZONARO (ITALIAN, 1854–1929), VIEW ON THE SEA OVERLOOKING CONSTANTINOPLE, OIL ON CANVAS
Constantinople (Istanbul), late 19th to early 20th century

Description:
Oil on canvas, signed lower left "F. Zonaro." A vibrant, impressionistic view of Constantinople from the water, capturing the interplay of light on the Bosphorus with striking colouristic sensitivity. The scene features a domed mosque with twin minarets—possibly the Yeni Cami or another prominent waterfront mosque—against a glowing sky with expressive clouds and sailboats gliding on calm waters. The palette is suffused with warm pinks, purples, and turquoise hues, evoking the romance and vibrancy of the late Ottoman capital at sunset.

Fausto Zonaro, court painter to Sultan Abdulhamid II, was one of the most celebrated Western artists to work in the Ottoman Empire. His works captured both grand historical subjects and intimate urban views with equal mastery. This smaller-scale composition is typical of his plein-air-inspired studies, likely painted during his prolific period in Istanbul between 1891 and 1910.

Comparable examples:

  • Fausto Zonaro, “View of the Golden Horn,” sold at Sotheby’s, London, 19th Century European Paintings, 30 April 2015, Lot 34, for £62,500.

  • Fausto Zonaro, “Evening on the Bosphorus,” oil on canvas, sold at Christie’s, Dubai, Middle Eastern Modern & Contemporary Art, 18 March 2019, Lot 34, for $87,500.

  • Fausto Zonaro, “Galata Bridge,” signed oil on canvas, sold at Bonhams, London, Orientalist Art, 24 October 2022, Lot 18, for £55,000.

Note:
Zonaro’s paintings remain highly sought after for their unique position at the crossroads of Orientalist art and direct court patronage. This work is particularly notable for its intimacy and jewel-like scale, suggesting it may have been created as a gift or study for a larger composition. The original carved and gilded frame enhances its display value.

Length x Width including frame: 53 x 34.5cm

Canvas length x width: 34 x 16cm

Accepted Forms of Payment:

MasterCard, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

We have our own specialist packing and international shipping service and are happy to arrange this for you, we will add a postage and packing quote to your sales invoice. We also offer a door to door courier service to take the stress out of receiving delicate or expensive items.

If you are arranging your own professional delivery, please ensure that the lot has been paid for and the transport company has full details of the items being collected and an appointment has been booked. We work strictly on an appointment basis for dispatching goods.

If you choose to use our services we will ensure goods that have left the auction premises are in perfect condition, by choosing our in house professional packaging services you agree to our terms and conditions and do not hold us accountable for any damages or loss of items in transit. You will be provided with a tracking number and all our packages sent out will require a signature upon delivery. We do not insure goods dispatched unless asked to do so, which will incur additional charges added to your invoice upon request.

We thank you for using our specialist packing & shipping service and hope to continue to do business with you in the near future.

May 6, 2025 1:00 PM BST
London, United Kingdom

PLAKAS

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 29% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
£0 £99 £5
£100 £199 £10
£200 £499 £20
£500 £999 £50
£1,000 £1,999 £100
£2,000 £4,999 £200
£5,000 £9,999 £500
£10,000 £19,999 £1,000
£20,000 £49,999 £2,000
£50,000 £99,999 £5,000
£100,000 £199,999 £10,000
£200,000 £499,999 £20,000
£500,000 £999,999 £50,000
£1,000,000 + £100,000