Artwork
An Ottoman Military officer, possibly the Yeniçeriagasi, or Commander-in-chief of the Janissaries
An Ottoman Military officer, possibly the Yeniçeriagasi, or Commander-in-chief of the Janissaries 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
This watercolour depicts an Ottoman military officer, possibly the Yeniçeriagasi, or Commander-in-chief of the Janissaries.
History & Provenance
The work was part of a series commissioned by Stratford Canning during his diplomatic career in Turkey. The Victoria and Albert Museum acquired the series in 1895 from Canning's daughter Charlotte.
Technique & Style
The artist's style blends Ottoman techniques, such as dense watercolour and bodycolour, with European representational conventions and perspective.
Context
The artist, possibly associated with Konstantin Kapidagli's studio, was hired by Canning to document Ottoman institutions and customs. Other Europeans, like Charles Cockerell, interacted with the artist and learned from their 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 Dervish[?], by Anonymous Greek artist](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/anonymous-greek-artist--a-dervish--3c8916f5a95abb6a-w320.webp)
![An Armenian[?], by Anonymous Greek artist](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/anonymous-greek-artist--an-armenian--8a9ee8f2d8733d94-w320.webp)