Mounted Persian Soldier Safavid Military Costume, 1800s, Paper

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Mounted Persian Soldier (KoeseIbasje) – Antique Engraving of Safavid Military Costume, c.1730 This impressive 18th-century engraving depicts a heavily armed … Read more Mounted Persian Soldier (KoeseIbasje) – Antique Engraving of Safavid Military Costume, c.1730 This impressive 18th-century engraving depicts a heavily armed Persian cavalryman known as a “KoeseIbasje,” a term associated with elite horsemen or guards of the Persian military during the Safavid or early Afsharid period. The soldier is richly dressed in patterned robes and segmented armor, with a tall feathered turban and a large shield slung over his back. He holds the reins of a finely groomed warhorse adorned with decorative tack, poised in mid-step as the soldier surveys the landscape. The caption in Dutch reads: "Afbeelding van een Koeselbasje, of Persiaansch Soldaat" (Image of a KoeseIbasje, or Persian Soldier). The engraving appears on a folio page marked “IV. Deel Pag. 256,” suggesting it was originally published in the fourth volume of a Dutch travel or ethnographic compendium. Based on its style and format, the print most likely originated from an early 18th-century Dutch work such as those by Olfert Dapper or François Valentyn, which documented peoples and customs from around the world during the height of Dutch overseas exploration and trade. The soldier’s attire, armor, and weaponry—including a curved sword (shamshir), bow, and quiver—reflect traditional Safavid military aesthetics, combining martial functionality with courtly grandeur. These types of engravings were not only artistic depictions but also served as visual records of foreign cultures for European audiences fascinated by the Ottoman and Persian empires. Condition: Very good condition with strong plate marks and fine detail. Slight toning and some faint foxing near the left edge. Minor edge wear from original binding. No tears or repairs. The impression remains crisp, with rich linear shading in the figure and background. Framing tips: This dramatic equestrian portrait would look striking in a tall black or dark brown frame. Pair with a warm off-white mat or parchment-toned mount. For a more historic presentation, consider a gold-lined or ebonized frame with a subtle antique finish. Technique: Copperplate engraving Maker: Anonymous Dutch engraver, Netherlands, circa 1730 See less