About this sheet
An original architectural plate from Alexandre M. Raymond's monumental publication L'Art Islamique en Orient – IIe Partie, illustrating six distinct rosette designs from the portal of the Tach-Médressé (Taş Medrese) in Akşehir, Turkey, dating to the 13th century Seljuk period. This important survey remains one of the finest early twentieth-century studies of Islamic ornament and architectural decoration in Anatolia.
Executed with exceptional precision and subtle color harmonies, the composition presents a series of carved stone rosettes recorded at a scale of 1:10. The designs demonstrate the remarkable mathematical sophistication and symbolic richness characteristic of medieval Seljuk architecture. Floral motifs, interlaced geometric stars, and complex polygonal arrangements reveal the fusion of artistic, spiritual, and architectural traditions that flourished in Anatolia during the height of Seljuk power.
One of the most striking elements is the upper-left rosette featuring an interlaced hexagram pattern, a motif that appears throughout medieval Islamic art as a purely geometric and decorative form centuries before later cultural associations. The central floral medallion exemplifies the stylized botanical vocabulary of Islamic stone carving, while the remaining examples display increasingly intricate star polygons and interwoven linear constructions typical of Seljuk design principles.
Alexandre Marcel Raymond devoted considerable effort to documenting architectural fragments throughout the Ottoman Empire, preserving decorative details that in some instances have since deteriorated or disappeared. His publications served architects, designers, historians, and collectors alike, introducing Islamic ornament to European audiences during the early twentieth century and influencing subsequent decorative arts movements.
Printed in France using high-quality lithographic processes, the plate combines archaeological accuracy with refined artistic presentation. The muted gray-blue tones, highlighted with delicate salmon-pink grounds, create an elegant visual balance that makes the sheet particularly suitable for modern interiors as well as traditional collections of architectural and Islamic art.
This is an original antique print, not a modern reproduction. It is offered unframed; any framed images are for display inspiration only.
Good antique condition consistent with age. Minor age toning and light foxing in the margins with a small stain in the lower left margin, well away from the printed image. The colors remain fresh and attractive. The sheet is structurally sound and suitable for framing.
Framing Recommendations:
This plate is sold unframed. It would display beautifully in a dark walnut, black lacquer, or ebonized frame with a wide ivory or warm off-white museum mat. A floating mount would further emphasize the geometric symmetry of the composition and complement both contemporary and traditional interiors.
