Ali Toy

Acquired directly from the artist by the present owner

Condition: This work is in very good condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

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The word Allah

Drawing on strong architectural and geometric forms, Ali Toy's calligraphy is a modernist approach to an Ottoman art form; and is a style of script that could be described as constructivist in its simplicity and rigour.

The Ottoman period is renowned for the perfection of naskhi script.
Students would invest years of practice with the great masters to achieve precision in this neat and scholarly hand. Toy departs from the principles of naskh and the Ottoman format by developing a script that is strong, graphic and minimalist, but no less precise.

Interestingly, whilst he departs from calligraphic tradition, Toy has adopted a very traditional presentation. In his use of marbled paper, and in maintaining the landscape orientation of the work, Toy recalls the poetry and calligraphy exercises of the Ottoman period. The combination is a hugely successful union of the traditional and the modernist.