A SULTAN AND SULTANA IN AN OUTDOOR GARDEN, PROBABLY FRANCE, 18TH CENTURY |

oil on circular canvas, set within large gilt wooden frame, the Sultan is shown standing, holding a garland of flowers emanating from a tall Romanesque vase, the Sultana lies on a pillow looking up at him, holding an incense burner in her left hand

UV light reveals patches of overpainting, mainly affecting Sultan's right arm, lower section of face, and minor retouching to Sultan's face, particularly over craquelure, further repainting to the sky, the frame in fragile condition, with cracks and nicks, reverse with some wear, 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."

Painted in the Rococo manner, this stylised portrayal of a Sultan and Sultana reflects the favoured compositions of eighteenth-century European artists portraying their versions of the Ottoman world. Paintings featuring Sultan and Sultana couples within stylish interiors were particularly fashionable in the second half of the eighteenth century and designed by celebrated European artists such as Étienne Jeaurat and Jean-Baptiste Marie Pierre. Paintings such as this portrayed the members of the Ottoman elite with bright colours and contrasts, emphasising their exotic nature.

For further reading on this subject, see H. Williams, Turquerie: An Eighteenth-Century European Fantasy, Thames and Hudson, 2014.