Crossroads of Curiosity

"The Sultan"

 

David Normal:

 

Dressed as Turkish sultan in a 17th Century Keftan, sitting in meditative repose, yet keeping his wits well enough about him not to miss an easy opportunity.  Who is this "Sultan" whose candle illuminates the world?  Is he not one who dwells in the light, and also hides in the shadows, and what is wrong with that?  The world does not turn on ethics alone. 

 

Image taken from page 158 of 'Romances of the Old Seraglio ... With 28 illustrations by Stanley L. Wood' Collection of the British Library.

View illustration on British Library's Flickr Photostream

 

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