a Demon from the "Conqueror's Albums" was an artist to the Ottoman court whose work is preserved at the
Topkapi Sarayı (the Imperial Ottoman Palace Library). Miniature painting comes from the tradition of illustrating manuscripts. The works of Siyah-Kalem are collected in what are known as the "Conquerors Albums", the albums are a selection of miniatures taken from various manuscripts in the 14th, 15th and 16th centuries. What is fascinating about Siyah-Kalem's work (whose name in English means Black Pen) is just how dark they are in their portrayals of monstrous-like figures, usually miniature paintings are quite pastoral and show scenes of noble life or great battles being fought.
For your next assignment you are going to reproduce one of Mehmed Siyah-Kalem miniatures using fine-art paper and chalk pastel.
a Demon from the "Conqueror's Albums"
