Effigies of the Ottoman Princes – Complete Table of Ottoman Rulers, Rome, 1700s

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Ottomanorum principum effigies – complete ottoman rulers table, rome c.1700 this impressive and complete multi-sheet engraving set titled “ottomanorum principum … Read more Ottomanorum principum effigies – complete ottoman rulers table, rome c.1700 this impressive and complete multi-sheet engraving set titled “ottomanorum principum effigies” presents a learned dynastic overview of the ottoman rulers, conceived as a single monumental composition rather than as independent portraits. Engraved in rome around 1700, the series was designed for assembly into a large rectangular genealogical table, following the architectural framework and paired medallion structure visible across the sheets. The set traces the ottoman dynasty from its founder, osman i, through successive sultans to the reigning rulers of the early eighteenth century. Each medallion contains a finely engraved portrait accompanied by a latin historical summary, reflecting the european scholarly tradition of universal history and comparative imperial studies. Several medallions intentionally remain blank, an original and significant feature indicating that the table was conceived as an open-ended genealogy, allowing for future rulers to be added. Their presence confirms completeness rather than loss. The engravings are executed with refined burin work, dense concentric backgrounds, and architectural framing characteristic of roman engraving at the turn of the eighteenth century. The composition closely relates to contemporary genealogical tables of emperors, popes, and royal houses produced for an international learned audience. The sheets are printed on high-quality italian laid paper bearing the watermark of pietro meliani of fabriano, one of the most important papermakers of the late seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries. Fabriano paper was widely favored by roman engravers for its durability, clarity of impression, and prestige, and the presence of this watermark further supports the roman origin and period of the set. When assembled as intended, the sheets form a visually powerful rectangular wall table, equally suited to a library, study, or institutional collection. Surviving complete sets of this series are scarce; most examples encountered on the market are fragmentary or broken up into individual sheets. Offered here is a full, intact set as issued, making it a strong object for collectors of ottoman history, early modern genealogy, or large-scale historical prints with both intellectual and decorative authority. Condition report: complete six-sheet set. Overall good, honest condition. Light age toning, scattered staining and watermarks, mainly in margins. Plates clean and well printed. No losses to engraved image areas. Blank medallions original to the design. Keywords: ottoman empire, ottoman sultans, ottoman genealogy, islamic rulers, turkish history, roman engraving, early modern history, dynastic table, genealogical chart, wall table, library wall art, scholarly print, fabriano paper, pietro meliani watermark, nicolas dorigny, rome engraving, osman i (ottomanus), orhan gazi, murad i, bayezid i, mehmed i, murad ii, mehmed ii, bayezid ii, selim i, suleiman i, selim ii, murad iii, mehmed iii, ahmed i, murad iv, mehmed iv, ahmed iii, mahmud i technique: copper engraving maker: nicolas dorigny, rome, circa 1700–1703 See less