Artwork
Turkoman of Bokhara
Turkoman of Bokhara is a watercolor work on paper by the Romanticist artist Frederick Christian Lewis. It dates from 1836 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
Turkoman of Bokhara is a watercolour created by Frederick Christian Lewis the Elder in 1836. The work is a portrait of a man, executed during Lewis's travels to Tehran.
Subject & Meaning
The watercolour depicts a bearded man wearing a large, fluffy hat. The title suggests the subject is from Bokhara, a distant region, implying the artist's interest in capturing the likeness of someone from a foreign culture.
Technique & Style
The work is characterized by loose brushstrokes and a sketchy style, with visible smudges and quick lines. The artist's use of warm yellows to highlight the hat and collar creates a sense of depth against the plain, light background.
History & Provenance
The watercolour was created during Lewis's journey to Tehran, facilitated by Sir John McNeill. It was later sold at Christie's in 1980. The artist's travels and related works are documented in contemporary accounts, including Robert Macdonald's Personal Narrative.
Artist & collection
Artist
Frederick Christian Lewis painted detailed watercolours and prints in the late 18th to mid 19th century.
Thomas Vouchicht (the wolf's cub) Peri Schicsh, Minister of the home department in Servia
A man wearing a fez and wrapped in a long cloak
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Sketches made during the Campaign of 1854-55 in the Crimea, Circassia and Constantinople
Untitled
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Young son of Shah Shuja Lodiana