Turkish sultans, sultanas and other historical figures

Executed in precise engraved lines, the work reflects the meticulous draftsmanship of late 16th-century Northern European printmaking. The absence of tone or color focuses attention on contour and pattern, with intricate detailing in textiles, weaponry, and architecture. The circular format and decorative border align with contemporary emblematic traditions used to elevate portraiture.

The print was produced by Dominicus Custos as part of a broader project documenting rulers of the Ottoman Empire, likely intended for a European audience curious about Eastern powers. The name Georg Wickram appears at the base, possibly indicating a publisher, printer, or earlier source, though his exact role remains unconfirmed.

Created during a period of heightened diplomatic and military tension between the Habsburgs and Ottomans, the series served both informational and propagandistic aims. European publishers often compiled such images to satisfy fascination with the Islamic empire, blending observation with conventionalized motifs drawn from travel accounts and earlier prints.

Custos’s series contributed to the visual lexicon of the Ottoman other in early modern Europe. Though not always accurate, these engravings shaped perceptions for decades, influencing later depictions in maps, books, and decorative arts. The work remains a document of how power was visually translated across cultural boundaries in the age of print.