Portret van Orhan Gazi 1549 - 1578

This engraving is a portrait of Orhan Gazi, who ruled as the second Ottoman Sultan from 1326 to 1359. Because the artist is unknown, questions of identity and cultural exchange emerge when looking at this piece. How did the artist perceive Orhan Gazi, and what cultural biases or interpretations might have shaped their portrayal? The artist's identity—their cultural background, religious beliefs, and political affiliations—would have influenced their understanding and representation of Orhan Gazi. The choice to depict Orhan Gazi in profile, framed by ornate designs, speaks to established conventions of portraiture, yet it also invites reflection on how such visual languages have been employed to convey power. How does this image challenge or reinforce existing stereotypes? How does it prompt us to reconsider the narratives that history has passed down? While this artwork offers a glimpse into the past, it encourages us to reflect on present-day questions of identity, representation, and cultural exchange.