Who painted A Baltaci[?], or Palace guard?

A Baltaci[?], or Palace guard was painted by Anonymous Greek artist in 1809.

Where can I see A Baltaci[?], or Palace guard?

A Baltaci[?], or Palace guard is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is A Baltaci[?], or Palace guard?

A Baltaci[?], or Palace guard is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

A Baltaci[?], or Palace guard

Anonymous Greek artist , 1809

A Baltaci[?], or Palace guard is a watercolor work on paper by the Romanticist artist Anonymous Greek artist. It dates from 1809 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This watercolour, dated to around 1809, depicts a Palace guard known as a Baltaci.

About this work

The picture was part of a big series made for British diplomat Stratford Canning during his time in Istanbul in 1808.

This painting shows a Palace guard called a Baltaci. It’s a watercolour from around 1809 by an unknown Greek artist.

The guard carried a wood-cutting axe in his belt. This was normal for junior ranks, who supplied firewood for the Palace. The picture was part of a big series made for British diplomat Stratford Canning during his time in Istanbul in 1808.

Check out more works by the Anonymous Greek artist.

Overview

This watercolour, dated to around 1809, depicts a Palace guard known as a Baltaci. The artist, a Greek painter whose identity remains unknown, was likely associated with the studio of Konstantin Kapidagli.

Subject & Meaning

The Baltaciler, or 'axe-men', were a component of the Palace Guard. Junior ranks within this group were initially responsible for providing firewood for the Palace complex, as indicated by the wood-cutting axe visible in the guard's belt.

Technique & Style

The artist's style blends the dense, vibrant watercolour and bodycolour characteristic of Ottoman art with European representational conventions and perspective techniques.

History & Provenance

The watercolour was part of a large series commissioned by Stratford Canning, a British diplomat, during his time in Istanbul in 1808. The series was later acquired by the Victoria and Albert Museum in 1895 from Canning's daughter Charlotte.