Artwork
Portrait of Sultan Mahmud II enthroned
Portrait of Sultan Mahmud II enthroned is a watercolor work on paper by the Orientalist 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 portrait of Sultan Mahmud II enthroned, part of a series documenting Ottoman institutions and customs.
Technique & Style
The artist's style blends Ottoman techniques, such as dense watercolour and bodycolour, with European representational conventions and perspective.
History & Provenance
Commissioned by Stratford Canning, the series was later acquired by the Victoria and Albert Museum in 1895 from Canning's daughter Charlotte.
Context
The artwork was created during Canning's diplomatic mission to Istanbul, where he hired a local artist, possibly associated with Konstantin Kapidagli's studio, to record his observations.
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)
