Page with illuminated calligraphy, Hadith (Sayings of the Prophet Muhammad)

Hâfiz Osman (1642-1698) was one of the most well-known Ottoman calligraphers. He invented new calligraphic genres, instructed sultans in the art form, and produced many beautiful calligraphic texts that survive today. This folio from an album contains Arabic texts in praise of God and the Prophet Muhammad, as well as Hadith, or sayings of the Prophet Muhammad. Signing the page, the calligrapher went to great pains to convey his humility and piety, describing himself as “the weakest of scribes, who has no power of his own, not even a pot to cook with. There is no palm in his valley, nor a tree. Osman, memorizer of the words of God the Bestower; thanking God, the Sovereign … and beseeching Him to grant mercy for His Prophet Muhammad, and to greet him plentifully.”