Description:

A PORTRAIT OF SULTAN MAHMUD II (1785–1839), OTTOMAN TURKEY, EARLY 19TH CENTURY
Ottoman Turkey, early 19th century

Description:
Oil on canvas, depicting Sultan Mahmud II (r. 1808–1839) in a commanding half-length portrait. The Sultan is presented with a long black beard and solemn gaze, wearing a richly adorned imperial robe with stylised floral roundels and gilded trim. His tall Ottoman crown is set with cabochons, rosettes, and black aigrettes, painted in fine detail to reflect his royal splendour. A decorative belt and sabre complete his ceremonial attire.

To the left of the composition is an Arabic inscription bearing his name and titles in elegant thuluth script, set against a dark green background. The restrained palette draws attention to the gold detailing and the iconographic significance of the portrait. This work typifies Ottoman dynastic portraiture in the early 19th century, when painting was employed to reinforce the image of reformist yet traditional rule.

Dimensions: 65cm x 55cm

Comparable examples:

  • A comparable portrait of Mahmud II sold at Bonhams, Islamic and Indian Art, 25 October 2022, Lot 91, for £15,000.

  • A similar oil portrait of an Ottoman sultan in ceremonial attire fetched £13,750 at Sotheby’s, Arts of the Islamic World, 1 May 2019, Lot 114.

  • An 1820s Ottoman imperial portrait with similar stylistic elements sold at Christie’s, Art of the Islamic and Indian Worlds, 26 April 2018, Lot 179, for £14,375.

Note:
Mahmud II was a pivotal figure in Ottoman history, known for initiating extensive modernising reforms. Portraits of him, often commissioned or reproduced in European and Ottoman workshops, became key visual tools in conveying imperial authority and continuity. This example captures both his regality and the evolving style of state portraiture under Western influence.

 

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May 6, 2025 1:00 PM BST
London, United Kingdom

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