Ottoman sultan entertained outdoors
late 16th century
Description
The Ottoman sultan Murad III (r. 1574–95), who reigned over a large empire created by his predecessors, led a sedentary life at his court in Istanbul, spending his time on daily pleasures and reading. As a generous patron of book arts, he employed the highest number of artists ever recorded in the court studio and sponsored numerous illuminated and illustrated manuscripts, including those with portrait series of Ottoman sultans. Murad III is recognizable in this painting by his headgear and seated pose as seen in his other portraits. He is shown in an intimate outdoor setting entertained by musicians and served drinks and food from golden vessels. While his falconer stands right behind him, another courtier waits respectfully on the side. The perspectival landscape in the background shows the continued interest in adding small European-styled landscapes in Ottoman paintings in the late 16th century.
Dimensions
13.4 x 7 cm (5 1/4 x 2 3/4 in.)
Provenance
[Hotel Drouot, Paris, 27 May 1968, possibly lot 72]. sold; [to Joseph Soustiel (1968)], sold; to Edwin Binney, 3rd, (2 July 1968-1985), bequest; to Harvard University Art Museums, 1985.
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