Turkish sultans, sultanas and other historical figures

Executed as a print, the work displays the intricate line work and elaborate detailing characteristic of late Baroque visual culture. The careful rendering of textiles, jewelry and the ornamental staff reflects the period’s fascination with opulence and dramatic presentation, while the integrated lettering follows contemporary practices of combining image and inscription.

The piece originates from the late seventeenth century, a time when European printmakers frequently produced portrait series of foreign rulers for both political and commercial audiences. Its survival in museum collections suggests it was circulated among collectors interested in exotic and diplomatic subjects, though specific ownership records remain limited.

The inclusion of both Moroccan and Ottoman figures mirrors the complex alliances and rivalries of the Mediterranean world in the 1600s. By juxtaposing Ismail Ibn Sharif with Turkish royalty, the print visually asserts a narrative of mutual recognition and political relevance within the broader framework of Baroque-era international relations.