Artwork
A Pasha travelling with his escort[?]
![A Pasha travelling with his escort[?], by Anonymous Greek artist, watercolor, 1809](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/anonymous-greek-artist--a-pasha-travelling-with-his-escort--01de32b8fcf30843-w1024.webp)
A Pasha travelling with his escort[?] is a watercolor work on paper by the Orientalist artist Anonymous Greek artist. It dates from 1809 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
A Pasha travelling with his escort is a watercolour artwork from a series commissioned by Stratford Canning during his diplomatic mission to Istanbul in 1808. The piece showcases Ottoman life and customs through a unique blend of artistic styles.
Subject & Meaning
The subject depicts a pasha accompanied by his escort, offering a glimpse into the daily life and hierarchy of the Ottoman elite during the early 19th century. The scene reflects Canning's curiosity about Ottoman institutions and customs.
Technique & Style
The artwork combines dense, brilliant water and bodycolour techniques characteristic of Ottoman artists with European perspectives and representation conventions, indicative of the anonymous artist's possible affiliation with Konstantin Kapidagli's studio.
History & Provenance
Commissioned by Stratford Canning in 1808, the watercolour was part of a large series by an unknown Turkish artist, possibly linked to Konstantin Kapidagli. Acquired by the Victoria and Albert Museum in 1895 from Canning's daughter Charlotte.
Context
Created during a period of cultural exchange, the work reflects the intersection of Ottoman and European artistic influences. It was also contemporaneous with Charles Cockerell's visit to Istanbul, where he engaged with local artists, though the specific artist of this piece remained unnamed.
Artist & collection
![A Dervish[?], by Anonymous Greek artist](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/anonymous-greek-artist--a-dervish--3c8916f5a95abb6a-w320.webp)