Koca Yusuf Paşa was born in Georgia and arrived in Istanbul as a slave. After being freed, he had a naval career and advanced to grand admiral, governor and, for two periods, in 1786–1789 and 1791–1792, he was grand vizier under the sultans Abdul Hamid I and Selim III. A grand vizier was the sultan’s representative, which is roughly equivalent to being prime minister. Here, he is depicted as grand vizier, wearing his official costume with its characteristic high hat. The colour of this headpiece showed the rank and duties of its wearer at the sultan’s court.