Deskrypcja Stambulu w „Przewaznej legacyi” Samuela Twardowskiego wobec topiki laudatio urbis

The author of the study discusses the technique and functions of Instanbul description in Samuel Twardowski’s Important Mission, a 1633 historical epic story which includes a description of Krzysztof Zbaraski’s diplomatic mission with intervowen digressions about sightseeing. Starting point of the considerations is a recapitulation of the knowledge about the origin and use of the convention of laudatio urbis which was – as the author suggests – Twardowski’s basic point of reference. Various pieces of information on Istanbul (its location, inhabitants, monuments or history) develop the topoi typical of rhetorical pattern. Nevertheless, Twardowski employs majority of the topoi, mainly designed for praise, for creating a negative, ideologically dominated picture of the Ottoman metropolis, especially its inhabitants, and rarely gives expresion of admiration (e.g. while giving an account of a picturesque city or remains of its Christian past).