Ottoman Mosque Facade Lithograph, Bursa (Bayezid Yıldırım), 1924

Title: Alexandre Raymond Ottoman Mosque Facade Lithograph, Bursa (Bayezid Yıldırım), c. 1920

Description:

An original architectural lithograph depicting the façade of the Bayezid Yıldırım Mosque in Bursa (Brousse), dated to 1400 and reproduced in Alexandre M. Raymond's monumental publication L'Art Islamique en Orient, IIe Partie, issued in the early twentieth century.

Plate 55 presents a refined elevation of the Bayezid Yıldırım Mosque, one of the foundational monuments of early Ottoman architecture. The composition emphasizes the rhythm of domed bays, alternating stone courses, and monumental entrance portal that characterized the formative period of Ottoman religious building in Bursa, the first great capital of the Ottoman Empire.

Executed in subtle tones of blue-grey, cream, and soft green, the lithograph combines precise archaeological documentation with the decorative elegance typical of Raymond's celebrated folio. The work was produced as part of an ambitious survey preserving the architectural heritage of Anatolia and remains among the finest visual records of early Islamic and Ottoman ornament published during the period.

Today these plates are highly sought after by collectors of Islamic art, architectural history, and Ottoman design. Their restrained palette allows them to integrate beautifully into both traditional and contemporary interiors.

This example is entirely original and dates from the period of publication. It is not a modern reproduction. Any framed images are presented solely as visual inspiration; the print is offered and sold unframed.

Condition Report:

Original antique condition with age-related toning, scattered foxing, and minor handling marks consistent with early twentieth-century folio plates. Small marginal imperfections and light wear to the edges. The printed image remains strong, clean, and highly decorative. Overall a very good example suitable for framing.

Framing Recommendation:

The print is sold unframed.

We recommend museum-quality conservation framing with UV-protective glass, an ivory or warm cream mount, and a dark walnut, ebonized, or Ottoman-inspired gilt frame profile. The restrained architectural composition particularly benefits from elegant, understated presentation.

Keywords:

Alexandre Raymond, L'Art Islamique en Orient, Bayezid Yildirim Mosque, Bursa, Brousse, Ottoman architecture, Ottoman Empire, Islamic architecture, Turkish architecture, Bursa mosque, Yildirim Bayezid, early Ottoman period, architectural elevation, mosque façade, Islamic decorative arts, Anatolian monuments, Islamic archaeology, antique lithograph, architectural print, Islamic interior design, Turkish heritage, Ottoman decorative arts, Islamic antiquities, museum quality print, original antique print, Islamic wall art, Bursa history, Seljuk and Ottoman architecture, French architectural publication, early twentieth century, unframed print, framed images for inspiration only.