Artwork
Interior of a Turkish Caffinet, Constantinople
Interior of a Turkish Caffinet, Constantinople is a watercolor work on paper by the Orientalist artist Thomas Allom. It dates from 1838 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. A watercolour painting depicting the interior of a 19th-century Turkish coffee house in Constantinople.
About this work
Overview
A watercolour painting depicting the interior of a 19th-century Turkish coffee house in Constantinople.
Subject & Meaning
The scene shows customers in a lavishly decorated coffee house, engaging in various leisure activities, such as drinking coffee, smoking, and socializing. The accompanying text by Revd Robert Walsh highlights the significance of coffee houses as favourite gathering places for Turks.
Technique & Style
The painting showcases an ornate rococo style, characterized by intricate carvings, painted decorations, and the use of chiaroscuro to create a sense of depth and atmosphere.
History & Provenance
The watercolour was reproduced as an etching to illustrate Revd Robert Walsh's book 'Constantinople and the scenery of the Seven Churches of Asia Minor' in 1838, providing a visual record of a type of building that was prone to destruction by fires.
Artist & collection
Artist
Thomas Allom (13 March 1804 – 21 October 1872) was an English architect, artist, and topographical illustrator.
