A Series of Nine Ottoman Genre Drawings in the Style of Levni, Turkey, 17th Century

Gouache heightened with gold on paper, each figure shown full length, including a Qadi, an Imam, a Diwan Official, a musician,  a Safavid Archer, a Muezzin and a lady of rank, trimmed

In good overall condition, occasional minor areas of flaking, a few small stains, otherwise colours and gold bright, 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."

Levni died in 1733. At this time albums depicting members of Ottoman society from all ranks and backgrounds were often commissioned by foreign visitors to the Empire as both touristic records of their visit and as informative tools for European governments. Although they were often roughly drawn, they were accurate representations. A portrait drawing formerly in the Edwin Binney Collection is stylistically similar to this series, with the central figure fully painted, and the background left blank (Binney, 1979, p.54, no.27). Indeed the female subject wearing garments typical of female costume at the end of the sixteenth century, with flat cap and flimsy sleeves, is closely comparable to a portrait included in the series under discussion.