Artwork

Mosque of Sidi Said bou Othman, Meknes

Mosque of Sidi Said bou Othman, Meknes, by Frank Galsworthy, watercolor, 1936
Mosque of Sidi Said bou Othman, Meknes, by Frank Galsworthy, watercolor, 1936

Mosque of Sidi Said bou Othman, Meknes is a watercolor work on paper by the Orientalist artist Frank Galsworthy. It dates from 1936 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

This watercolour depicts the Mosque of Sidi Said bou Othman in Meknes, created by Frank Galsworthy in 1936. The painting captures the mosque's architecture and surroundings in a serene and understated manner.

Subject & Meaning

The work shows the mosque's tall tower with arched windows and a pointed top, alongside a simple adjacent building. A few figures are scattered around the mostly empty courtyard, conveying a sense of tranquility.

Technique & Style

Galsworthy employed light, loose brushstrokes to maintain an airy and warm atmosphere. The tower's details, such as small windows and decorative carvings, are subtly sketched without being overly detailed.

History & Provenance

The watercolour was sold at Sotheby's Islamic Sale on April 19, 1978, for £66, indicating its passage into a private collection.

Artist & collection

Artist

Frank Galsworthy

Frank Galsworthy painted the Mosque of Sidi Said bou Othman in Meknes in 1936 using watercolour.