Audience Granted by the Grand Vizier Aïmoli-Carac to the Count de Saint-Priest (French Ambassador), 18 March 1779

An experienced diplomat, the Count de Saint-Priest played an essential role in resolving the conflict between the Ottoman and Russian empires over the Crimea. As depicted in this scene, peace was sealed by the signing of an arbitration treaty at Ayanali-Kavak, the sultan’s residence on the western bank of the Bosporus. The grand vizier is about to sign, facing the French ambassador accompanied by two representatives of Russia. In the distance we can see the Ayasofya mosque, the former church of Hagia Sophia, one of the most famous monuments in Constantinople (present-day Istanbul).