Ottoman Sultans--Album of 32 watercolour portraits

32 watercolour drawings on paper heightened with gold, framed within a watercolour medallion frame, each captioned in ink beneath in Ottoman Turkish, later manuscript translation of the captions in French pasted at beginning, the drawings mounted on card and joined in a concertina form, (292 x 202mm.), contemporary Ottoman maroon morocco, upper cover tooled in gilt, some stains, a few old neat repairs to binding, corners and hinges rubbed

Private Swiss collection

condition in described in the main body of the text
"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."

A rare collection of portraits of the Sultans of the Ottoman Empire, from Osman I (ruled c.1299-c.1326) to Abdülmecid I (1839-1861). The portrait of Mahmud II appears twice showing him before and after his clothing reform, when he enforced a new dress code consisting of a fez, frock coat, and fitted trousers to replace traditional forms of clothing that differentiated the rank and religion of each person.