AN ILLUMINATED CALLIGRAPHIC PANEL (QIT’A), SIGNED BY MEHMED ATAULLAH, TURKEY, OTTOMAN, DATED 1200 AH/1785-86 AD |

Arabic manuscript on paper, comprising an upper register in large muhaqqaq, 9 lines of diagonal naskh beneath, ruled in red and gold, framed

In good condition, minor smudges and stains, 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."

Shanizade Mehmed Ataullah (d.1826), was a renowned scientist in the early nineteenth century. He was born in Istanbul in 1771, and after having completed his studies in the madrasa, including Arabic and Persian, he joined the Suleymaniye Medical School in 1786. This calligraphic panel dates to the last years in the Madrasa, just before the start of his medical career. A prolific author and translator, among Ataullah's most famous works are a five-volume work on medicine, entitled Hamse-i Shanizade, and a three-volume translation from French of Charles Bossut’s mathematical theories. He practised calligraphy under the supervision of calligrapher Isma'il Zuhdi Efendi and Yesari Esad Efendi.