Ultra-Rare $2 Million Turkish Medallion of Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II, Who Conquered Constantinople, To Be Auctioned in London

Early bronze portrait medallion of the Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II, circa 1450 © Bonhams

An extraordinary rediscovery in the world of Islamic art has emerged as a bronze portrait medallion of Sultan Mehmed II, predating his historic conquest of Constantinople, prepares to take the spotlight at Bonhams Islamic and Indian Art Sale on Tuesday, May 21. The event will be held at Bonhams New Bond Street location in London, where art enthusiasts and historians alike will have the opportunity to witness this remarkable artifact.

Dating back to the 15th century, the bronze medallion is estimated to fetch between £1,500,000 ($2,000,000) to £2,000,000 ($2,500,000). However, its true value lies beyond monetary measures, as it is believed to be the earliest known portrait of an Islamic ruler by a Western artist. Oliver White, Head of Islamic and Indian Art at Bonhams, expressed his excitement over the discovery, highlighting its significance as the only known portrait of Mehmed II as a young man, capturing him before his legendary conquest of Constantinople.

“Mehmed II was not merely a conqueror but a complex and intriguing ruler,” writes Peter Frankopan in Bonhams Magazine. “This talismanic portrait offers a glimpse into the persona of a leader who commanded respect and fear, yet also promoted intellectualism and meritocracy among his followers.”

Mehmed II, commonly known as Mehmed the Conqueror, rose to prominence as the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, twice ascending to the throne during his lifetime. His most renowned achievement came at the age of 21 when he seized Constantinople, marking the end of the Byzantine Empire and establishing himself as a dominant force in the region. This victory catapulted Mehmed II to legendary status, earning him widespread acclaim as a hero in modern-day Turkey.

The rediscovered bronze portrait, initially concealed within a collection of Italian Renaissance medals, resurfaced in 2000. Identified by both Mehmed II’s likeness and the Latin inscription encircling the medallion, which reads “Great Prince and Great Emir, Sultan Master Mehmet,” its historical significance became unmistakable. Notably absent from the inscription was any reference to imperial titles, suggesting its creation occurred before the fall of Constantinople.

Further intrigue surrounds the medallion’s craftsmanship, indicating it may have been fashioned by a skilled Renaissance artist who captured Mehmed II’s likeness firsthand. The absence of design or lettering on the reverse, coupled with its portable size and meticulously formed piercing, suggests the medallion served as a personal talisman, symbolizing the Sultan’s aspirations and authority.

Although Mehmed II would later commission portraits in various mediums, including a cast bronze medal by Costanzo da Ferrara and an oil portrait by Gentile Bellini, none capture the youthful vigor and ambition displayed in this recently discovered medallion. As it prepares to grace the auction block at Bonhams, art enthusiasts and historians eagerly anticipate the opportunity to witness this extraordinary artifact, which offers a rare glimpse into the life of one of history’s most formidable leaders.

The upcoming auction at Bonhams promises not only to showcase exceptional Islamic art but also to shed light on the life and legacy of Sultan Mehmed II, whose conquests continue to resonate through the annals of history.

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