Who painted Two Persian Horsemen?

Two Persian Horsemen was painted by James Justinian Morier in 1811.

Where can I see Two Persian Horsemen?

Two Persian Horsemen is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is Two Persian Horsemen?

Two Persian Horsemen is associated with Orientalism.

Artwork

Two Persian Horsemen

James Justinian Morier , 1811

Two Persian Horsemen is a watercolor work on paper by the Orientalist artist James Justinian Morier. It dates from 1811 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

James Justinian Morier’s watercolour, dated 1811, portrays a pair of mounted figures dressed in Persian costume. The composition places the riders against a muted, distant landscape, their horses turned toward one another, creating a balanced visual dialogue.

Subject & Meaning

The two horsemen, one in a yellow jacket with a long rifle and the other in a red coat with blue trousers, are rendered in traditional Persian attire, suggesting a scene of travel or patrol within an Eastern setting. Their headgear and the detailed harnesses emphasize cultural specificity.

Technique & Style

Executed in watercolour, the work achieves a soft, atmospheric effect through blended washes and delicate tonal transitions. Morier’s handling of pattern—particularly the intricate designs on the clothing and tack—demonstrates a careful observational approach typical of early‑19th‑century Orientalist draftsmen.

History & Provenance

The painting is associated with the diplomatic Ouseley mission to Persia, and its visual style bears resemblance to contemporary sketches by J. D’Arcy. It entered the market when sold at Christie’s in February 1969, purchased from P. Heathcote‑Williams for £2 and 10 shillings.

Context

Created during a period of heightened British interest in Persia, the work reflects the era’s fascination with Eastern dress and customs, a theme recurrent in Morier’s broader oeuvre of diplomatic and travel illustrations.