Artwork
Sehzade, or heir to the throne
Sehzade, or heir to the throne 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 watercolour portrait depicts a young Ottoman prince, created in 1809 by a Greek artist.
About this work
It was made in 1809 by a Greek artist paid to record what he saw.
This watercolour portrait shows a young Ottoman heir.
It was made in 1809 by a Greek artist paid to record what he saw.
The work was part of a big set ordered by a British diplomat.
The artist mixed bold Turkish watercolour with European style.
It’s one of many scenes the diplomat collected in Istanbul.
All were shown back home as proof of Ottoman life.
Look up the Victoria and Albert Museum next.
Overview
This watercolour portrait depicts a young Ottoman prince, created in 1809 by a Greek artist. It is part of a large collection commissioned by a British diplomat.
Subject & Meaning
The subject is Sehzade, or heir to the throne, representing a significant figure in Ottoman society. The portrait offers insight into the appearance and status of a young Ottoman prince.
Technique & Style
The artist blended traditional Ottoman watercolour techniques with European representational conventions, creating a distinctive style. The use of dense and brilliant watercolour and bodycolour is characteristic of Ottoman art, combined with European perspective.
History & Provenance
Commissioned by Stratford Canning, a British diplomat, the work was part of a series documenting Ottoman institutions and customs. The original set was acquired by the Victoria and Albert Museum in 1895 from Canning's daughter Charlotte.
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 Greek woman[?], by Anonymous Greek artist](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/anonymous-greek-artist--a-greek-woman--6cf3019da43d0709-w320.webp)
