Who painted At Meydani, or the Hippodrome, Istanbul?

At Meydani, or the Hippodrome, Istanbul was painted by Anonymous Greek artist in 1809.

Where can I see At Meydani, or the Hippodrome, Istanbul?

At Meydani, or the Hippodrome, Istanbul is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is At Meydani, or the Hippodrome, Istanbul?

At Meydani, or the Hippodrome, Istanbul is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

At Meydani, or the Hippodrome, Istanbul

Anonymous Greek artist , 1809

At Meydani, or the Hippodrome, Istanbul 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

At Meydani, or the Hippodrome, Istanbul is a watercolour work created as part of a commissioned series for Stratford Canning, highlighting Ottoman institutions and customs during his diplomatic mission to Istanbul in 1808.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, Meydani (Hippodrome), captures a significant Ottoman public space, reflecting Canning's curiosity about Turkish culture and institutions. The artwork's purpose was to document and interpret these aspects for a European observer.

Technique & Style

The anonymous artist's style blends Ottoman watercolour techniques, characterized by dense, brilliant water and bodycolour, with European representational and perspectival conventions, indicative of possible ties to Konstantin Kapidagli's circle.

History & Provenance

Commissioned by Stratford Canning in 1808, the series remained in family possession until 1895, when Charlotte Canning, Stratford's daughter, sold the original set to the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Context

Created during a period of European diplomatic engagement with the Ottoman Empire, the work reflects cross-cultural artistic exchange. Notably, Charles Cockerell encountered the artist (possibly through an interpreter) in Istanbul around 1810, exchanging insights on painting techniques.

Legacy

The series, including 'At Meydani', provides valuable historical and artistic insight into early 19th-century Ottoman life and the fusion of artistic traditions. Copies of related works by Charles Cockerell are housed in the British Museum.