Portrait of Cornelis Calkoen (1696-1764). Ambassador to the Ottoman Empire in Constantinople (Istanbul) 1725 - 1737

This 18th-century portrait depicts Cornelis Calkoen, the Dutch Ambassador to the Ottoman Empire, seated and looking directly at the viewer. The painting, created by an anonymous artist between 1725 and 1737, showcases Calkoen in a rich, crimson velvet robe, a symbol of his official status. The subdued lighting, detailed rendering of his lace cuffs and powdered wig, as well as the glimpse of a patterned chair back, contribute to a sense of formality and grandeur. The painting likely served as a commemorative piece, highlighting Calkoen's diplomatic role and his role in Dutch-Ottoman relations.