Bajazet Kahn I, from Portraits of the Emperors of Turkey 1815

John Young created this portrait of Bajazet Kahn I as part of his series, "Portraits of the Emperors of Turkey." The artwork is visually dominated by its symmetrical composition. The central oval containing Bajazet is framed by laurel wreaths, creating a structured yet decorative space. A scene of soldiers on horseback is on the lower part of the image, grounding the portrait in historical, earthly dynamism. The color palette, while muted, uses contrasting reds and golds in Bajazet's garments. This signifies his wealth and status, drawing the viewer's eye to the figure. The oval frame and inscription challenge fixed meanings by blending European portrait conventions with Ottoman subject matter. The formal structure—the portrait set within an oval—resembles classical European portraiture. However, the additional scene below and the rich Ottoman attire disrupt this framework. The artwork, as a portrait, not only represents a person but also presents a cultural exchange. It invites us to consider how artistic forms and cultural codes meet and transform one another.