Artwork
A scene of Gypsies dancing
A scene of Gypsies dancing 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.
About this work
Overview
A scene of Gypsies dancing is a watercolour painting from a series documenting Ottoman customs and institutions.
History & Provenance
The painting was commissioned by Stratford Canning, a diplomat in Istanbul, and created by a local artist likely associated with Konstantin Kapidagli's studio. Canning's daughter Charlotte sold the series to the Victoria and Albert Museum in 1895.
Technique & Style
The artist blended Ottoman techniques, such as dense watercolour and bodycolour, with European representational conventions and perspective.
Context
The series was created during Canning's diplomatic mission to Istanbul, which began in 1808. Other visitors, like Charles Cockerell, interacted with the artist and learned from his techniques.
Artist & collection
![A Pasha travelling with his escort[?], by Anonymous Greek artist](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/anonymous-greek-artist--a-pasha-travelling-with-his-escort--01de32b8fcf30843-w320.webp)
![A Serbetci, or drinks seller[?], by Anonymous Greek artist](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/anonymous-greek-artist--a-serbetci-or-drinks-seller--61bdf44039236f66-w320.webp)
