Artwork

Elevations of two mosque portals, and part of the Hekimoglu Ali Pasha Fountain at Kabatas

Elevations of two mosque portals, and part of the Hekimoglu Ali Pasha Fountain at Kabatas 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. This 1809 watercolour depicts two mosque portals and a fountain, created by an unknown Greek artist.

About this work

The portals aren’t matched to specific mosques, though they look like those at Süleymaniye, Fatih, and Ahmediye.

This watercolor shows two grand mosque gateways drawn in 1809 by an unknown Greek artist. The portals aren’t matched to specific mosques, though they look like those at Süleymaniye, Fatih, and Ahmediye.

The picture was part of a big series ordered by British diplomat Stratford Canning, who arrived in Istanbul in 1808 and hired a local draughtsman to record what he saw.

Have a look at the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Overview

This 1809 watercolour depicts two mosque portals and a fountain, created by an unknown Greek artist. The work is part of a larger series commissioned by British diplomat Stratford Canning.

Subject & Meaning

The portals, though unidentified, resemble those at notable mosques such as Süleymaniye, Fatih, and Ahmediye. The artist's representation of Ottoman architecture reflects Canning's interest in documenting local institutions and customs.

Technique & Style

The artist's style blends Ottoman techniques, such as dense watercolour, with European conventions of representation and perspective. This synthesis is evident in the work's detailed and vibrant depiction of the mosque portals.

History & Provenance

Stratford Canning commissioned the series during his diplomatic career in Istanbul, beginning in 1808. The Victoria and Albert Museum acquired the original set of drawings in 1895 from Canning's daughter Charlotte.