Bosphorus Landscape Appraisal

Painting of the Nusretiye Mosque on the Bosphorus

This item is an oil painting depicting a waterfront scene, likely identifiable as the Nusretiye Mosque in Istanbul, situated prominently on the Bosphorus. The painting is encased in a distinct gold-colored, ornate frame with a repeating scroll or leaf motif, suggesting a decorative and possibly period-appropriate framing style. The artwork itself uses a muted color palette, primarily blues for the water and sky, with grays and whites for the mosque, and earthy tones for the distant buildings and landscape. The mosque is rendered with considerable detail, showcasing its domed structure, arched windows, and multi-tiered composition with what appears to be a slender minaret to its right. To the far right, a traditional sailing boat with a prominent mast and a light-colored sail is depicted on the water, while a smaller rowboat floats in the mid-ground. The background features several multi-story buildings of varying colors (pinks, browns) set upon a green, elevated landscape, suggesting a city built on hills. The brushstrokes appear relatively loose, contributing to a somewhat atmospheric quality. Visible condition issues include potential dust or grime on the surface of the painting and minor wear consistent with age, particularly on the frame where some rubbing or slight loss of gilding might be present. The specific style, subject matter, and apparent age suggest it could be a piece from the late 19th or early 20th century, common for Orientalist or landscape paintings of the region. The craftsmanship appears to be of a competent, though not necessarily master, level, focusing on capturing the iconic architectural landmark.