A portrait of Sultan Ahmed III (r.1703-30), attributable to Jean Baptiste Vanmour, early 18th century

oil on canvas, in gilt-wood frame

In reasonably overall condition, painting had been relined, some evidence of retouching, particularly to lower right corner and edges, 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."

Jean-Baptiste Vanmour witnessed first hand one of the most interesting periods of Ottoman Turkish history, the 'Tulip Era' of Sultan Ahmed III in the first half of the eighteenth century. Accompanying the Dutch ambassador Cornelius Calkoen, Vanmour painted over fifty vivid and revealing works, covering all manner of subjects from the inside of the Ottoman palace and the Diwan, to state officials, weddings, courtiers, as well as the Sultan himself.

The present painting relates closely to two other depictions of Ahmed III in the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam (SK-A-2014 and SK-A-2015). All three paintings are of roughly the same size, and depict the Sultan wearing the typical turban of the period with jewelled aigrette, ermine-trimmed kaftan, and a large and elaborate jewelled belt-buckle (published in Eveline Sint Nicolaas et al., An eyewitness of the Tulip Era - Jean-Baptiste Vanmour, Amsterdam, 2003, pp.150-3, nos.5 and 6.