Sevket Dag

Private collection, Ireland

Berlin, Salon Neuner, no. 285 (a label on the reverse)

The canvas has not been lined. There is a very light horizontal stretcher mark along the upper edge, and there are a number of small scattered spots of paint flaking, notably in the centre of the vaulting towards the right of the upper edge (visible in the catalogue illustration). One or two other minor spots fluoresce under ultra-violet light which may correspond to minor signs of retouching. The painting is otherwise in good condition. Presented in a decorative gilt frame, with foliate motifs.
"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."

This long view shows the inner narthex, or portico, of Hagia Sophia, serving as the lobby for the great western entrance or Imperial Gate, seen on the left.  

Over its 1,700-year history, the Hagia Sophia (in Turkish Ayasofya), has had numerous incarnations, both liturgical and architectural. First constructed under Emperor Constantine in 306AD and since rebuilt twice, it was named Megale Ekklesia (Big Church) before becoming known in the fifth century as the Hagia Sophia (Holy Wisdom). It was here that Emperors were crowned, and it was the largest cathedral in the Byzantine Empire.

The building as it is seen today was built under Emperor Justinian, and was at once the culminating architectural achievement of late antiquity and the first masterpiece of Byzantine architecture. It was used as a cathedral for over nine hundred years, and remained the world’s largest for nearly a thousand years. Following Sultan Mehmed’s conquest of Istanbul in 1453, Hagia Sophia was turned into a mosque. The structure was fortified after this period, and remained in use as a mosque for almost five hundred years. Under the order of Atatürk and the decision of the Council of Ministers, Hagia Sophia was deconsecrated and converted into a museum in 1935.

As a result of Hagia Sophia's history, its influence, both architecturally and liturgically, was widespread and enduring in the Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and Muslim worlds alike.