Ladies’ Outing at Hünkâr İskelesi along the Bosporus

In summer, wealthy inhabitants of Istanbul fled the hot and humid city in search of cooler weather along the banks of the Bosporus. These outings were virtually the only diversion that women could enjoy outside their homes. The women of the sultan’s harem sometimes went on picnics. Vanmour probably painted one such occasion here. A black eunuch stands guard to keep out uninvited guests (men).