Interaction of Artistic Production in Early XVIIth Century Ottoman Costume Albums and Iznik Ceramics

The privileges, which were given to the europeans during the reign of sultan süleyman (1521-1566), allowed many envoys, merchants and travellers to visit the capital istanbul from the beginning of xviith century. furthermore, an interest towards diverse geographies which was raised in this period in europe, caused the production of art objects such as illustrated costume albums and iznik ceramic dishes commissioned by european visitors. this interest was especially increased in xviith century towards purchasing and collecting artistic objects such as iznik ceramics. concurrently, the production of illustrated costume albums displaying ottoman and non-muslim figures were also being commissioned by european patrons to be produced at the painting ateliers out of the court. it is interesting that both iznik ceramic dishes with human figures and illustrated costume albums with single human figures reveal obvious interaction of collective artistic production in terms of the figures’ drawing and painting techniques. the forms and positions of the figures with their gestures and the colours used are perfectly alike, so that this suggests a possible interaction of artistic production between iznik ceramics and miniature paintings in the costume albums of that time. although these examples are unaffiliated with the court atelier’s style, it is thought that they are still significant regarding the possible usage of drawing templates by the painters and ceramic artists.