Alexandre M. Raymond, Green Tomb Portal Bursa, 1924, Paper

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Antique islamic architecture print, green tomb portal bursa, alexandre raymond 1924 this original architectural plate depicts the magnificent entrance portal … Read more Antique islamic architecture print, green tomb portal bursa, alexandre raymond 1924 this original architectural plate depicts the magnificent entrance portal of the mausoleum of tchélébi-sultan mehmet (çelebi sultan mehmed) in bursa, turkey, completed in 1421 and today universally known as the yeşil türbe, or green tomb. Issued as plates 26–27 in alexandre m. Raymond's celebrated publication l'art islamique en orient – iie partie, the print forms part of one of the most ambitious early twentieth-century surveys of islamic architecture and ornament undertaken in anatolia. The composition presents a meticulous elevation of the mausoleum's richly decorated entrance, rendered at a scale of 1:10. The monumental doorway is framed by pale green marble blocks and crowned by a deeply carved muqarnas niche beneath an elegant ribbed semi-dome. Fine bands of arabic calligraphy, geometric interlace, and vegetal arabesques are reproduced with remarkable precision, demonstrating the sophisticated craftsmanship achieved during the formative years of the ottoman empire. Commissioned by sultan mehmed i, known as çelebi mehmed, the green tomb in bursa represents one of the defining monuments of early ottoman architecture. Following the devastation caused by timur's invasion in the early fifteenth century, mehmed reunited the ottoman territories and initiated an extraordinary artistic revival. The mausoleum, together with the adjacent green mosque complex, embodies this renewed cultural confidence and marks the transition from seljuk traditions toward a distinctly ottoman visual language. Architect and scholar alexandre raymond devoted considerable effort to documenting these monuments before modern restoration campaigns altered aspects of their original appearance. His folios remain highly valued references for architects, historians, and collectors of islamic art. The subtle coloration, technical accuracy, and elegant presentation make this plate both an important scholarly document and a highly decorative work suitable for framing. The print is entirely original and dates from 1924. It is sold unframed; any framed illustrations are for visual inspiration only. Condition: good original condition with age-related toning, scattered foxing primarily in the margins, a horizontal center fold as issued, and minor handling wear. The image itself remains clean and attractive with strong color and excellent detail. Framing tips: this architectural study would benefit from a wide ivory or warm stone-colored mat and a dark walnut, ebonized, or ottoman-inspired frame. Museum glass is recommended to preserve the delicate pastel tones and intricate ornamental details. Keywords: bursa, green tomb, yeşil türbe, çelebi sultan mehmed, mehmed i, ottoman architecture, islamic art, anatolian ornament, seljuk influence, muqarnas, arabic calligraphy, geometric decoration, turkish mausoleum, alexandre raymond, l'art islamique en orient, architectural elevation, islamic decorative arts, bursa monuments, ottoman heritage, antique architectural print, 1924 lithograph, turkish islamic architecture. Technique: lithograph with printed colour. Maker: alexandre m. Raymond, french architect and scholar active in the study of islamic architecture, paris, 1924. See less