Ottoman Emprie, Middle East – Tobias Lotter, after 1757

“Magni Turcarum Dominatoris Imperium per Europam, Asiam et Africam, se extendens Regiones tam proprias, quam tributarias et clientelares ut et omnes Beglerbegatus sive Praefecturas Generales oculis sistens accuratissima cura delineatum” [The Mighty Empire of the Turkish Ruler, extending across Europe, Asia, and Africa, depicted with the Greatest Care: displaying both Its own Territories and Its Tributary and Vassal Lands, including all Beylerbeys or General Governorships.] Copper engraving first published by Matthäus Seutter between 1731 and 1741; this edition published by Tobias Conrad Lotter after 1757. Original hand colouring with later additions. Size: 47 x 57 cm.

Around 1700, the Ottoman Empire entered a period of retreat and reform, following its height in the 16th century. The era of glory was over, and from the late 17th century onward, the empire began rapidly losing territory, particularly in Europe. A major turning point came in 1699, when – after a series of military defeats – the empire lost Hungary, Transylvania, and Dalmatia. The Great Turkish War (1683–1699) and the failed Siege of Vienna in 1683 marked the end of Ottoman territorial expansion in Europe.

Yet the early 18th century did not represent decline alone. The first half of the century is often seen as a time of internal reorientation and cautious reform. Under Sultan Ahmed III (1703–1730), the so-called Tulip Period (Lâle Devri, 1718–1730) began – an age known for its cultural flourishing and growing openness to European art and architecture. It was also a period in which modernizing initiatives began to take root, albeit cautiously.

In the following decades, the empire remained embroiled in wars, particularly against Persia and Russia. During the 1730s, the Ottomans fought repeatedly with Safavid and later Afsharid Persia, led by the charismatic warlord Nader Shah. Between 1733 and 1735, he succeeded in conquering parts of the Caucasus, Iraq, and what is now Azerbaijan. At the same time, Russia increased its pressure on the Black Sea region and the Crimea.

The map of the empire was engraved by Matthäus Seutter, though the large decorative cartouche was likely designed by the Augsburg silversmith Abraham Drentwet (1647–1729). In the cartouche, we see (presumably) Sultan Mahmud I seated on his throne. Two men kneel before him, presenting tribute. To the right of the title are additional allegorical figures, including a European with a globe, a lion, a Caduceus (symbolizing commerce), a shield bearing Medusa’s head, and a spear. The personification of Fame (Fama) sounds her trumpet, proclaiming the power of the Ottoman rulers.

After Seutter’s death in 1757, the copper plates from his estate were divided. The plate used to print this map of the Ottoman Empire came into the possession of Tobias Lotter, who incorporated it unchanged into his atlas—adding only his own name to the imprint.

Price: Euro 495,-