Materiality of Mehmet II Smelling A Rose Based on Gentile Bellini’s Painting with Cultural Perspective

Abstract

This paper examines the painting of Mehmet II, which was painted by Sinan Bey/ Şiblizade Ahmed and based on the painting by Gentile Bellini. Those works of art show Mehmet the Conqueror in the same perspective by using different materials and styles of painting. Mehmet II is depicted as the Conqueror of Constantinople in this painting which also includes concepts of Ottoman culture. This paper illustrates how particular Western elements of art blended with traditional Turkish art imagery to depict the Sultan’s power over Constantinople. Both paintings represent different aspects of Mehmet the Conqueror. Both painters convey their cultural consciousness and impressions in their paintings. Even though Gentile Bellini and Şiblizade Ahmed made similar artistic creations, they present different perspectives of Mehmet II within their cultural framework. In addition, this paper shows how a foreign artist inspired a local artist. Furthermore, the two paintings are explained based on the objects and features used. In conclusion, this study shows that both paintings are also arranged within their own long memory and different social, cultural, and historical points of view to materiality.