Habit of the White Sultaness in 1749

by Thomas Jefferys

This hand-colored etching published in 1749 is from Thomas Jefferys’ pioneering book "A Collection of the Dresses of Different Nations." The image provides intriguing insights into the European understanding of Ottoman royalty during the eighteenth century.

In the etching, we can see "the White Sultaness," which was the term usually used to describe a queen or consort of high rank in the Imperial Harem.