[Δ] Attributed to Sir Godfrey Kneller (1646 - 1723) A Port...

Estimate

£30,000 - £50,000

[Δ]

Attributed to Sir Godfrey Kneller (1646 - 1723)

A Portrait of Ochius, also called The Passia Ahmed
Oil on canvas
In a gilded frame

Painted circa 1689 following the siege of Belgrade and during the period Ochius was held hostage by the Austrians. He became a renowned and colourful figure in European courts during his extensive captivity. Eventually his son paid the required 1000 gold coins for his return to Constantinople.

Dimensions:
(Frame) 54 in (H) x 43 in (W) 
(Canvas) 44 ¼ in (H) x 34 in (W)

Provenance:

• Hanovarian Royal Collection Schloss Georgengarten;


• Fürstenhaus Anlage 1893;


• Herrenhausen Anlage 1893, Old Inv. Nr. 929, New Inv. Nr. 1

Literature:

• J. Molthan, Verzeichniss der Bildhauerwerke und Gemälde welche sich in den Königlich Hannoverschen Schlössern und Gebäuden, Hanover 1844, p.73, no. 58

Lot Essay:
The painting has traditionally been attributed to Sir Godfrey Kneller whilst in the Hanover Collection.
 
During lining the following original inscription was found on the rear of the original canvas:
 
‘Ochius ol Druen ahmet pascia cosi octio che vuol dire l’ ahmet pasola che amazzo il
Bove questo fy pieso nel general assalto de begrado l’anno 1688 efi troua hogidi
In narstati.’
 
Translated as:
 
'Ochius also known as The Passia Ahmed, called Ahmed Passia, killer of the beast who was General, in charge of the Garrison of Belgrade in 1688 and is now found in Narstat.'