Artwork
An Albanian
An Albanian is a watercolor work on paper by the American Folk Art artist William Page. It dates from 1820 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
This watercolour by William Page portrays a man in traditional Albanian dress, characterized by a long white tunic with brown stripes, blue and gold vest, and pink turban with a black tassel. The subject stands before a tree, barefoot, with a mustache, and adorned in the described attire, holding a white cloth.
Subject & Meaning
The subject is an Albanian figure, depicted in meticulous traditional attire, suggesting the work's focus on cultural documentation through costume study. The composition conveys a sense of serene, everyday pose.
Technique & Style
Executed in watercolour, the piece features soft, romanticized rendering, typical of Page's early style, marked by detailed figure representation. The approach bears a resemblance to the work of Louis Dupré, potentially reflecting a contemporaneous influence.
History & Provenance
Likely created during Page's Near East travels (1819–20), this watercolour was part of a series of costume studies, some from direct observation, others from secondary sources. It was acquired by Maggs in June 1967 before entering its current collection.
Context
This work reflects Page's practice of documenting cultural attire during his travels. The stylistic affinity with Louis Dupré suggests a possible encounter or influence during this period, aligning with broader artistic interests in exoticism and cultural portrayal.
Legacy
While not broadly renowned on its own, the piece contributes to the broader legacy of 19th-century artistic explorations of the Near East, offering a window into both the region's cultural dress and the artistic practices of the time.
Artist & collection
![A Servant of the Sultan[?], by William Page](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/william-page--a-servant-of-the-sultan--e1a8abdac6100882-w320.webp)
