Artwork
Basçavus, or Palace Usher
Basçavus, or Palace Usher is a watercolor work on paper by the Romanesque artist Anonymous Greek artist. It dates from 1809 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
Basçavus, or Palace Usher is a watercolour painting from a series documenting Ottoman institutions and customs.
History & Provenance
The series was commissioned by Stratford Canning during his diplomatic career in Turkey, starting in 1808. The original set was acquired by the Victoria and Albert Museum from Canning's daughter Charlotte in 1895.
Technique & Style
The painting combines dense watercolour and bodycolour, characteristic of Ottoman art, with European representational conventions and perspective.
Context
The artist, likely associated with Konstantin Kapidagli's studio, was hired by Canning to record his observations of Ottoman life and architecture.
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)
