Turkish sultans, sultanas and other historical figures
1650
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
1650
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
Turkish sultans, sultanas and other historical figures is a 1650 by Theodoor van Merlen, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.
This image shows a woman's portrait, possibly a sultana, in an oval frame. She wears a crown with a crescent moon on top, a necklace, and a dress with a fur-trimmed cape. The background is a brick wall with a window. The woman's face is the main focus, with detailed features and a serious expression. The frame and crown add a sense of grandeur and importance. Theodoor van Merlen was a Dutch painter who created many portraits of historical figures.
The print by Theodoor van Merlen from 1650 presents Evemenia Sultana alongside depictions of Turkish sultans, sultanas, and other historical figures, accompanied by a title and lettering.
Read the full account in the museum source.
Theodoor van Merlen never left his studio. He painted sultans in silk robes and turbans, their faces half in shadow, as if he’d lifted the scenes straight from travelers’ stories. His prints feel like overheard…
See the richer artist page
