A rare Nevers faïence portrait plate early 19th century

A rare Nevers faïence portrait plate early 19th century, painted with a central portrait of the Turkish ruler Selim III, the shaped rim with concentric bands of coloured enamels, 23cm.

Selim III ruled the Ottoman Empire from 1789-1807 and had a distinctly pro-European bias, being particularly interested in the military power of France. After the 1802 Peace of Amiens, this bias was exploited by Napoleon, who believed he could benefit from close relations with the Ottoman ruler.