Alberto Pasini (Italian, 1826-1899)

In the present lot Pasini captures the bustle of a busy market at the side of the quay, fresh produce from the arriving merchant ships are sold amidst the lively bustle of the crowd. Meanwhile, the Nusretiye Mosque in the Tophane district sits reverently to the centre right of the composition. The mosque was built by Sultan Mahmut II and opened in 1826. Architecturally the mosque has Islamic elements with a baroque style façade, making it unique to the city.