- 94
Melchior Lorck, a portrait of Suleyman the Magnificent (Hollstein 35), engraving, 1559
Estimate
12,000 - 18,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
A good impression of the second (final) state
Condition
With wide margins on three sides, a narrow margin at left with a few paper losses at the extreme edge (reinforced with a narrow strip of paper, with occasional touches of pen and ink to the left of the elephant), a tiny rust spot below the figure's right foot, a few vertical and horizontal folds (occasionally broken through in places), a short repaired tear at lower left edge (circa 1.5cm), a few small repaired tears at left edge, supported with a thin sheet of japan paper.
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
This print is based on a portrait, painted from life, of Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent, who is remembered as one of the greatest sultans of the Ottoman Empire. It was published by Melchior Lorck as an engraving in his book entitled The True and Real Counterfeits and Pictures of the Turkish Emperor Sultan Suleiman and Prince Ismail from Persia but which was subsequently lost. It contained "[...] re-prints of the portraits of Sultan Suleiman and the Persian ambassador, Ismail, created back in 1562 and two newly rendered full-figure portraits of the very same subjects, which were dated, respectively, 1573 and 1574" (Erik Fischer, Melchior Lorck, Volume 1, Biography and Primary Sources, Copenhagen, 2009, pp.124-126).