About this sheet
An original antique architectural lithograph depicting the magnificent mihrab of the Ulu Mosque (Grande Mosquée) in Bursa, Turkey, dating from the early Ottoman period (1400–1420). The plate was published as part of Alexandre M. Raymond's celebrated folio L'Art Islamique en Orient – IIe Partie, one of the most important surveys of Islamic architecture and ornament produced during the early twentieth century.
This impressive composition documents the richly ornamented prayer niche of Bursa's Ulu Cami, a masterpiece of early Ottoman sacred architecture. The mihrab is rendered with extraordinary precision, illustrating its monumental calligraphic friezes, floral arabesques, gilded ornament, muqarnas vaulting, marble columns, and intricate geometric decoration.
Executed in delicate tones of turquoise, pale blue, gold, rose, and soft grey, the plate possesses both scholarly value and remarkable decorative appeal. Raymond's work sought to preserve architectural details that were already becoming vulnerable to modernization, making these lithographs important historical documents as well as highly desirable works of art.
The monumental vertical composition makes this sheet especially suitable for framing in both traditional and contemporary interiors. It works beautifully within Ottoman-inspired spaces, modern Istanbul apartments, libraries, studies, and collections devoted to Islamic art and architecture.
This example is entirely original to the period and is not a modern reproduction. Any framed images shown are intended solely as visual inspiration. The print is offered and sold unframed.
Condition Report:
Original antique condition with age-related toning, scattered foxing, and light handling wear throughout. Minor creasing and soft edge wear consistent with large-format folio plates of the period. The colors remain attractive and the image retains excellent decorative and historical presence. Overall fair to good antique condition.
Framing Recommendation:
Sold unframed.
We recommend museum-quality conservation framing with UV-protective glass, a warm ivory mount, and a dark walnut, ebonized, or Ottoman-inspired gilt frame. The vertical format and delicate color palette particularly benefit from elegant, restrained presentation that emphasizes the architectural grandeur of the composition.
Keywords:
Alexandre Raymond, L'Art Islamique en Orient, Ulu Mosque, Ulu Cami, Bursa, Brousse, mihrab, Ottoman architecture, Islamic architecture, Turkish art, Ottoman Empire, Islamic decorative arts, Arabic calligraphy, mosque interior, prayer niche, muqarnas, Islamic ornament, arabesque decoration, Bursa heritage, Anatolian architecture, architectural lithograph, antique print, early twentieth century, original antique, Islamic wall art, Turkish history, Islamic archaeology, architectural survey, Ottoman interior design, museum quality print, French publication, Islamic manuscript aesthetics, geometric ornament, unframed print, framed images for inspiration only.
