Origins & Early Life

Nakka Osman (sometimes called Osman the Miniaturist) was the chief miniaturist for the Ottoman Empire during the later half of the sixteenth century. The dates of his birth and death are poorly known, but most of his works are dated to the last quarter of the sixteenth century. The oldest known illustrations of Nakkaş Osman's were made between 1560 and 1570 for a Turkish translation of the epic Persian poem Shahnama by Ferdowsi. He is known to have been the chief illustrator of the various official histories written by Seyyid Lokman for Murad III that were produced in this era, including the Zafername (Book of Victories), the Şahname-ı Selim Han (Book of Kings of Selim Khan).

Pivotal Works & Achievements

the Semailname (Book of characteristics) and the Şehinşahname (Book of King of Kings). In 1582 he worked on the astrological Book of Felicity, and around 1585 he was one of the illustrators of the Siyer-i Nebi, an epic on the life of Muhammad written around 1388. Osman's illustrative style has been described as "plain, yet perceptive". His illustrations show careful attention to the most minute detail, depicting events in a realistic style. Osman's portraits tend to display more emotion than those...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

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