Artwork
Bostanci, or Imperial Guard
Bostanci, or Imperial Guard 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
Bostanci, or Imperial Guard 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 Istanbul, starting in 1808. The original set was acquired by the Victoria and Albert Museum in 1895 from Canning's daughter Charlotte.
Technique & Style
The painting blends Ottoman techniques, such as dense watercolour and bodycolour, with European representational conventions and perspective.
Context
The artist, possibly linked to 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)
Bostancibasi, or member of the Imperial Guard
A Turkish official
An official in the Sultan's palace![A Dervish[?], by Anonymous Greek artist](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/anonymous-greek-artist--a-dervish--3c8916f5a95abb6a-w320.webp)
A Dervish[?]
Sipahi Içoglani
A heavily-armed man
A senior Ottoman official
Ascibasi, or Commander of the Janisseries in ceremonial dress
An official of the Sultan
Çavus, or Palace Doorkeeper
An Ottoman Official, perhaps the Sultan's private secretary,