Page 69 - The Age of Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent

26. Two folios from the Divan-i Muhibbi transcribed by Mehrned
§erif and illuminated by Kara Memi in 1566 (Istanbul Université
Kütüphanesi, T. 5467, fols. 359b-360a)

large hatayi blossoms and fan-shaped leaves (recalling those separated by illuminated panels. Kara Memi's exquisite de-
of the plane tree), superimposed with additional floral ele- signs appear on each folio, from the first to the last, and
ments. The drawings, rendered in gold, are enhanced by soft show a great diversity of themes. The volume is extremely
blue and green tints. This volume appears to have been un- important for establishing not only the artist's style, but also
finished and contains several empty folios. The last three odes for identifying the full range of the artistic vocabulary of the
are in the sultan's hand; he must have composed these age. It is an encyclopedia, combining every conceivable fea-
shortly before his death and had them appended to the ture associated with the traditional mode, saz style, and na-
volume. turalistic genre. The designs reveal an incredible finesse and
A second copy of the Divan-i Muhibbi, transcribed by unmatched virtuosity both in their harmonious composition
Mehmed §erif in February/March 1566, was illuminated by and execution. They must have awed all illuminators who
Kara Memi. This work, the most spectacular copy of the sought inspiration from the volume.
sultan's poems, bears a different layout and decorative Kara Memi's skillful combination of stylized and naturalis-
repertoire. The text is written horizontally with the lines tic elements is visible throughout the manuscript. The double

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