Where can I see Turkish sultans, sultanas and other historical figures?

Turkish sultans, sultanas and other historical figures is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is Turkish sultans, sultanas and other historical figures?

Turkish sultans, sultanas and other historical figures is associated with Baroque.

Can I buy a print of Turkish sultans, sultanas and other historical figures?

Museum-quality prints of Turkish sultans, sultanas and other historical figures are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Turkish sultans, sultanas and other historical figures

Gabriel Uhlich , 1716

Turkish sultans, sultanas and other historical figures is a print by the Baroque artist Gabriel Uhlich. It dates from 1716 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1716 by the German engraver Gabriel Uhlich, this print depicts a solitary, bearded figure dressed in an elaborate, fur‑trimmed hat and a richly ornamented robe. The composition is set against a dark, textured backdrop that isolates the subject, emphasizing his facial features through stark lighting. The work is part of the Victoria and Albert Museum’s collection.

Subject & Meaning

The central figure appears to be a Turkish ruler or noble, suggested by his opulent attire and the star‑shaped brooch on his garment. The inscription beneath the head, "MAHVM MED," and a German warning at the bottom hint at a didactic or cautionary purpose, perhaps related to contemporary European perceptions of Ottoman authority.

Technique & Style

Uhlich employs a pronounced chiaroscuro effect, using deep shadows to contrast with illuminated areas of the face and hat, a hallmark of Baroque visual drama. The fine line work and careful gradation of tones create a three‑dimensional quality, while the textured background adds depth without distracting from the central portrait.

History & Provenance

The print was produced in the early eighteenth century, a period when European artists frequently rendered exotic subjects for a market fascinated by the Ottoman Empire. It entered the Victoria and Albert Museum’s holdings through acquisition in the late nineteenth century, where it remains catalogued as a representative example of German Baroque printmaking.