The Meal in Honour of Ambassador Cornelis Calkoen, Jean Baptiste Vanmour, c. 1727 - c. 1730
oil on canvas, h 90cm × w 120cm × w 10.0kg More details
As part of the ceremony, Calkoen attended a meeting in the divan or council chamber of the palace, after which he and his retinue were offered a meal by the grand vizier. This meal is shown here. At centre, across from the grand vizier, Calkoen sits on a low stool, flanked by two interpreters. The sultan could listen (unnoticed) behind the small grilled window above –hence called ‘the Eye of the Sultan’.
