Portret van Murad II 1692 - 1745

Curator: My first impression? It's hauntingly elegant. All those grays – shades upon shades! Editor: Indeed. This print by Claude DuBosc, created sometime between 1692 and 1745, is entitled "Portret van Murad II," depicting the Ottoman Sultan. Notice how DuBosc used engraving to meticulously capture the Sultan's likeness. Curator: There is an ethereal stillness about it. Murad sits enshrined almost like an icon. I am particularly drawn to the patterned background within that arched frame—so much intricate detail. Editor: The visual layering creates a sense of depth within a two-dimensional medium. The artist cleverly utilizes hatching and cross-hatching techniques to convey the textures of Murad's clothing. Observe the careful attention paid to the turban, and its delicate folds, as well as the contrast between its opulence and Murad's seemingly humble attire. Curator: Humble, maybe... But definitely imposing. That piercing gaze tells me he sees more than I'll ever know. And there’s that peculiar little detail; what is that protruding block below him? It’s as though he might take off running! Editor: Functionally, the shapes serve as anchors that contain the sitter. But those simple geometrical circles interrupt an otherwise ornamental structure – and I find this tension quite remarkable. It reminds us that visual communication involves constant negotiation among aesthetic pleasure, historical memory, and power. Curator: Absolutely, it pulls us into an entirely other time! Imagine what stories those eyes have seen! All the splendor and all the battles… I appreciate how this one little engraving manages to contain all that weight! Editor: I concur. Despite its reliance on formal conventions, this engraving provides a glimpse into the world of the Ottoman Empire, illustrating its impact on both art and politics during that era. Curator: I can wander into it… Just close my eyes, breathe deeply, and listen to all the clamor it holds! Thanks, DuBosc! Editor: Thank you for your acute and impassioned considerations of the piece.