Who painted Turkish sultans, sultanas and other historical figures?

Turkish sultans, sultanas and other historical figures was painted by Johann Friedlein in 1704.

Where can I see Turkish sultans, sultanas and other historical figures?

Turkish sultans, sultanas and other historical figures is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is Turkish sultans, sultanas and other historical figures?

Turkish sultans, sultanas and other historical figures is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

Turkish sultans, sultanas and other historical figures

Johann Friedlein , 1704

Turkish sultans, sultanas and other historical figures is a print by the Baroque artist Johann Friedlein. It dates from 1704 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

The work is a black‑and‑white portrait print depicting a solemn figure wearing an elaborate headdress and a heavy necklace with a prominent pendant. The composition is framed by an oval border accented with simple decorative lines, focusing attention on the sitter’s dignified expression and regalia.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait represents the twenty‑third ruler of the Ottoman Empire, identified by an accompanying inscription that supplies his title and a brief biographical note. The inclusion of his royal insignia underscores his authority, while the formal pose reflects the conventions of official portraiture used to convey status and legitimacy.

Technique & Style

Executed in 1704 by Johann Friedlein, the print employs precise line work and chiaroscuro shading to render facial features and the texture of the jewelry. The overall aesthetic is restrained and formal, characteristic of early‑18th‑century European printmaking that often adopted a Baroque sensibility without the exuberant dynamism of painted works.

History & Provenance

Created by the German engraver Johann Friedlein, the image served as a visual record of the Ottoman sultan for a European audience. Its production date places it within a period of heightened diplomatic and commercial contact between the Ottoman Empire and Central Europe, suggesting the print may have circulated among scholars, collectors, or diplomatic circles interested in Ottoman leadership.