D’OHSSON

TABLEAU GENERAL DE L’EMPIRE OTHOMAN
DIVISE EN DEUX PARTIES, Dont l’une comprend la Legislation Mahometane; l’autre, l’Histoire De l’Empire Othoman.

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D’OHSSON, Mouradja. De M.

Paris, 1788

D’Ohsson was an Armenian dragoman, born in Pera and for many years in the service of the Swedish embassy in Constantinople. He was ennobled in 1780 by the Swedish king Gustav III and D’Ohsson gratefully dedicated his work to the monarch. D’Ohsson’s work is devoted to the Ottoman history, Muslim practices and contemporary life including information about dress, architecture and cooking. Praised because of its authenticity and truthful images. The impressive illustrations are derived from paintings made in Istanbul, either copies of earlier works (imperial portraits or illuminated manuscripts) or original works. Through D’Ohsson’s connections with the court hierarchy he had access to official annals and was able to get drawings of the interiors of libraries, mosques, chapels, etc.