Portrait of sultan Selim III (1789-1807), seated on the golden ceremonial throne.
Painting (oil on canvas). Ottoman School, 1789.
Study for the larger painting: “Selim III receiving dignitaries at a Bayram (feast day ceremony) at the Gate of Felicity”, on exhibition in the Topkapı Palace.

Gold thrones kept in the Treasury of the Topkapı Palace were used at accession and feast day ceremonies held in front of the gate of Felicity in the Ottoman Palace. This throne is seen in illustrations dating from the reign of Mustafa III (1757/1774), and is thought to have been made around the mid-18th century. It was last used on 4 July 1918 for the accession of Sultan Mehmed VI. It is gold plated and encrusted with 957 chrysolites.

Correspondent: J.M.Criel, Antwerpen
Sources: ‘Istanbul, Topkapı paleis (Atrium cultuurgidsen) & Website of ‘worldvisitguide’.