Gentile Bellini's Portrait of Sultan Mehmed II: Lives and Afterlives of an Iconic Image

In 1479, Gentile Bellini arrived at the Ottoman court in Istanbul and produced his celebrated portrait of Sultan Mehmed II. This was a significant moment in cultural diplomacy and the picture's history. Elizabeth Rodini traces the portrait's journey from Mehmed's court to the Venetian lagoon, from war-torn Europe to Londons National Gallery, exploring its life as a painting and its afterlife as a famous and often puzzling image.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 17 September 2020
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

In the year 1479, the renowned Venetian painter Gentile Bellini made his way to the Ottoman court in Istanbul, where he created his celebrated portrait of Sultan Mehmed II. This momentous occasion marked a significant chapter in cultural diplomacy, serving as the inaugural chapter in a series of captivating events in the painting's history. Elizabeth Rodini takes us on a captivating journey, tracing the portrait's path from Mehmed's court to the Venetian lagoon, from the war-ravaged railway stations of Europe to the walls of London's National Gallery. Through her meticulous exploration, Rodini delves into the multifaceted nature of the painting, examining its life as a work of art and its enduring legacy as a renowned and often enigmatic image.

The rediscovery of the portrait by the archaeologist Austen Henry Layard during the height of Orientalist perspectives in Britain added another layer of intrigue to its story. The picture also became the subject of a legal dispute, as Italians sought to protect their national heritage around the turn of the 20th century. Moreover, in 1999, it graced the stage of a solo exhibition in Istanbul, further amplifying its global significance.

Rodini's research extends far and wide, encompassing a broad range of topics. She delves into the nature of historical evidence, the evolving dynamics of authenticity and verisimilitude, and the contemporary political resonances of Old Master paintings. Told as an object biography and envisioned as an exploration of art historical methodologies, this book situates Gentile's portrait within evolving dialogues between East and West, unveiling the myriad ways in which objects construct meaning.

Through her meticulous research and insightful analysis, Rodini offers a fresh perspective on Gentile's portrait, shedding light on its historical, artistic, and cultural significance. This captivating book not only provides a deep understanding of the painting itself but also contributes to our broader understanding of the complex interplay between different cultures and artistic traditions.

Weight: 392g
Dimension: 234 x 156 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780755616619