Ambassador Cornelis Calkoen at his Audience with Sultan Ahmed III

Unknown artist

The actual audience was held in the sultan’s private living quarters in the palace. After the meal with the grand vizier, Calkoen and his retinue were presented with kaftans as a sign of hospitality, but also to cover the clothing of the ‘non-believers’. Ahmed sits on a throne, with four princes next to him. Calkoen is giving a speech and will afterwards present his credentials to the sultan.