Cameria, or Mihrimah Sultan as Saint Catherine

Cameria, the daughter of Suleiman the Magnificent, faces the viewer in a three-quarter pose, her expression still and confident as she makes direct eye-contact. Her left hand rests lightly on the wheel of Saint Catherine of Alexandria, a choice that has been attributed to the Ottoman Empire’s possession of Alexandria at the time [1]. Her headdress flows from a jeweled turban around her hair to a high, pointed structure of gold, pearls, rubies and emeralds culminating in a waterfall of white drapery. The cut and fabric of her tunic appear to be typical of Ottoman dress of the time, with a high neck and intricate patterns of flowers and curvilinear forms, contrasting with the low-cut gowns of lace, velvet, satin and silk favored by Venetian noblewomen. Like Caterina Cornaro, Cameria is shown in this state portrait as a virtuous, learned princess. However, while Cameria is shown in Ottoman costume, she has been somewhat Italianized by the artist through her association with a popular Christian saint and the depiction of her facial features conforming to Venetian ideals of beauty with soft, rounded curves and a pale complexion with rosy overtones. Compare this image of a historic figure of the Near East with the allegorical figure of Africa, each made from an Italian perspective, most likely for a European audience.

[1] “Cameria, Daughter of Suleiman the Magnificent, as Saint Catherine,” The Courtauld Institute of Art, accessed October 2, 2020. http://www.artandarchitecture.org.uk/images/gallery/f2d2f159.html

• The Courtauld Institute of Art. “Cameria, Daughter of Suleiman the Magnificent, as Saint Catherine.” Accessed October 2, 2020. http://www.artandarchitecture.org.uk/images/gallery/f2d2f159.html
• Humfrey, Peter. Titian. London: Phaidon, 2007.
• Sotheby's. "Cameria, or Mihrimah Sultan (1522-1578), Daughter of Suleyman the Magnificent." Lot 216, Arts of the Islamic World & India including Fine Rugs and Carpets, 10 June 2020. https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2020/arts-of-the-islamic-world-india-including-fine-rugs-carpets/cameria-or-mihrimah-sultan-1522-1578-daughter-of