Page of Ottoman Calligraphy 

This is a page of Ottoman Calligraphy by Sheikh Hamdullah. The work presents a balance between the visual impact of the script and the geometric precision of its layout. Notice how the bold, curvilinear forms of the script command attention, their sweeping gestures enhanced by the stark contrast against the toned paper. The composition is divided into distinct fields: one area densely filled with smaller script, the other dominated by the expansive, almost sculptural presence of the larger calligraphy. This interplay sets up a visual rhythm, guiding the eye across the surface of the work. The page exemplifies a deep engagement with structural principles. The relationship between line and space is carefully calibrated to maintain equilibrium. Hamdullah's strategic use of empty space around the calligraphy is as significant as the marks themselves, enhancing the legibility and overall aesthetic impact of the text. This interplay highlights the semiotic function of calligraphy, where form and content are interwoven, with each stroke carrying layers of meaning.