Artwork
Bostancibasi, or member of the Imperial Guard
Bostancibasi, or member of the 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
A watercolour painting titled 'Bostancibasi, or member of the Imperial Guard' is part of a large series of Ottoman views and studies.
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 in 1895 from Canning's daughter Charlotte.
Technique & Style
The painting combines dense watercolour and bodycolour techniques 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 document Ottoman institutions and customs. The artist's identity remains unknown.
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)
