Habit of the Grand Vizier in 1749

by Thomas Jefferys

The hand-colored engraving was originally created for use in the ground-breaking four volume book A Collection of the Dresses of Different Nations, Antient and Modern, written by Thomas Jefferys between 1757 and 1772 in London. The image represents the ultimate in the representation of Ottoman administration, showing the official attire ("habit") of the Grand Vizier, who was the Prime Minister, and represented the Sultan's absolute power.

Created after the original mid-18th century paintings of Joseph-Marie Vien, an artist from France, the print displays the distinctive signs of office held by the supreme ruler of the Imperial court. Take note of the grand feathered turban, along with the golden stick or mace carried as symbols of absolute power.