Selefke, Views of the Basilica and Citadel in Cilicia, Asia Minor by de Labode

Selefke, Views of the Basilica and Citadel in Cilicia, Asia Minor by Louis de Laborde, circa 1840

This double-panel lithograph presents two captivating 19th-century views of Selefke (modern-day Silifke in southern Turkey), drawn by Louis de Laborde during his travels through Asia Minor. Executed in warm sepia tones and lithographed by Freeman, the sheet offers an evocative glimpse into the archaeological and topographical landscape of the ancient region of Cilicia.

The upper view is titled Vue de la Basilique, dans le Fond le Théâtre et la Citadelle. It features the imposing ruins of a Roman basilica framed by trees and low hills, with fragments of columns, a surviving arch, and traces of walls in the foreground. Behind the ruins rises the citadel of Seleucia ad Calycadnum, dramatically perched atop a steep hill. The mountainous terrain adds drama and depth, emphasizing the military and architectural importance of the site.

The lower view provides a broader panoramic Vue Générale de Selefke, capturing the town's position in a fertile valley between rugged mountains. Aqueducts stretch across the plains, and a series of scattered buildings and ruins dot the landscape, bearing witness to Selefke’s continuous habitation from antiquity to the Ottoman period.

Louis de Laborde (1800 to 1869) was a French archaeologist, traveler, and artist known for his extensive and accurate illustrations of classical and Near Eastern sites. His work played a key role in documenting regions previously underrepresented in Western scholarship, blending scientific observation with Romantic composition.

These lithographs were likely issued around 1840 as part of Laborde’s publications on Asia Minor. Such works appealed to scholars, armchair travelers, and collectors of antiquities, capturing the intersection of ancient ruins, modern village life, and Orientalist curiosity.

Condition report:

The print is in good condition. The image areas are clean and finely detailed. Light foxing is visible in the margins and lower caption area, with some mild age toning to the sheet. The paper is full and untrimmed, with no tears or repairs.

Framing suggestions:

This double composition deserves a wide mat opening to showcase both views equally. A classic gold or warm oak frame will complement the sepia tones, and a soft cream or light beige mat will preserve the print’s balance. Use UV-protective glass to preserve the detail. A strong piece for collectors of classical ruins, Near Eastern landscapes, or early archaeological prints.