A miniature of Abdülmecid I (r.1839 - 1861) in a diamond- and ruby-set frame, second half 19th Century

the watercolour set in a round gilt frame mounted with a row of diamonds to each side, leafy scrolls to top and bottom, featuring a ruby stone to top and bottom, with hook above

In good condition, as viewed.
"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."

The present portrait is in the style of mid-nineteenth-century portraits of Sultan Abdülmecid drawn by Jean Portet and Josef Manas. It belongs to a small group of miniatures better known as tasvir-i humayun. The closest example, painted by Jean Portet in 1850, is in the Topkapi Palace Museum (inv.no. 17/215), Istanbul (see Portrait of the Sultan, exhib.cat., Turkiye Is Bankasi, Istanbul, 2000, p.510). Sultan Abdulmecid's miniature portraits appear to follow the miniature portraits depicting his father Sultan Mahmud II (r.1808-1839). Spanish miniature painter Marras, who worked for Mahmud II, produced the earliest examples of miniature portraits for the Ottoman court. A miniature portrait of Sultan Mahmud II, signed Marras, is preserved in the Topkapi Palace Museum, Istanbul (17/208). The present miniature is a fine example of the tasvir-i humayun production both in terms of its dimensions and brush quality. The portrait is in its original frame bejeweled with diamonds and rubies.