Greece - Peloponnese / Gulf of Corinth / Dardanelles; Giovanni Giacomo de Rossi (1627 – 1691) - VEDVTA, E PROSPETTO DE' DARDANELLI NELLO STRETTO DEL GOLFO DI LEPANTO CON LA CITTA DI PATRASSO - 1681-1700

A rare, imposing and fascinating 17th-century etching, engraved in copperplate and printed in Rome in 1687 by the famous calcographic workshop of Giovanni Giacomo de Rossi at La Pace, with papal privilege. The work, titled in the majestic cartouche on a floating ribbon at the top center "View and Prospect of the Dardanelles in the Strait of the Gulf of Lepanto with the City of Patras and the fortress of Lepanto in Levadia, rendered under the arms of the Most Serene Republic of Venice under the command of the most illustrious General Captain Morosini on the 24 July 1687", illustrates the triumphant entry of the Venetian fleet into the strait leading to the Gulf of Corinth, in Greece. The composition is spectacular and shows the stretch of sea plowed by galleasses, galleys, and Venetian warships in full martial activity, while in the background rises the majestic mountain range that dominates the Greek coastal landscape.

The explanatory apparatus at the bottom is of exceptional documentary value. Beneath the view is engraved a rich and elegant legend numbered from 1 to 8, arranged in four symmetric columns, essential for understanding the historical dynamics and the topography of the engagement. The text describes in detail the maneuvers of Capitano Generale Francesco Morosini as he orders the landing of the Venetian army in formation, the battle delivered to the Turks with their consequent flight, the occupation of the city and the borough of Patras, the position of the fortress farther inland in Morea and the Fortress of Antirio called Rumelia, the passage of the naval fleet under fire from the Dardanelles, and the moment when the Ottoman defenders abandon the aforementioned fortresses.

The work is distinguished by the extremely high quality of the Baroque drawing, by the incredible meticulousness poured into the delineation of sailing and rowed vessels, and by the dramatic historical event depicted. It is a collector’s item of the utmost iconographic value, ideal for lovers of naval history and Venetian–Ottoman wars, preserved in excellent overall condition and perfect to be enhanced by a high-quality frame.

Dimensions 25 x 60 cm
Will be shipped by courier.