Miniature from a Silsilename. ’Portrait of Sultan Mustafa III’
Turkey, Istanbul; 2nd half of 18th century
Leaf: 24 × 17 cm
When this portrait was painted, the Ottomans had already been in power for some 500 years, and genealogies and depictions of state visits, etc. were favorite genres at the court. Mustafa III (1757-1774) is seated exalted and statue-like on a throne very similar to the Topkapi Palace’s “Bayram throne.” The depiction is in keeping with written accounts that the sultans sat in silence at audiences while actual negotiations were carried on by their viziers.
The painting was made by an Armenian, Rafael, and a replica of it is found in the genealogy of the Ottoman sultans, from Osman through Ahmed III, that was made by Levni. This genealogy was later supplemented by Rafael with portraits of the following sultans, up to and including Mustafa IV.
Inv. no. 36/1977
Published in:
Sotheby’s, London, 20/7-1977, lot 161
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