Artwork
An Officer of the Grand Signior
An Officer of the Grand Signior 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
An Officer of the Grand Signior is a watercolour drawing depicting a Sulak, a member of the Sultan's personal bodyguard.
Subject & Meaning
The figure is shown in elaborate attire, with a tall feathered hat and a white robe adorned with gold patterns and dark fur trim, conveying a sense of importance and ceremonial role.
Technique & Style
The work is executed in soft watercolours, achieving a balance between simplicity and detail, and is likely a copy derived from a published source or another artist rather than a direct observation.
History & Provenance
The drawing is part of a series of costume studies, some of which were later published, and may date to an earlier phase of the artist's career, prior to travel to the Near East.
Artist & collection
A Bostanci at the Court of the Sultan, seated on a bench, smoking
A Solak or Kulkethüdagasi
Untitled
Devsirme Agayeri, a recruiting officer for the Janissaries
Seraskier Pasha General in Chief
A Zülfü Baltaci
Sehzade, or heir to the throne
An Ottoman official, possibly a Miri Alem, or leader of troops
An Ottoman Official, perhaps the Sultan's private secretary,
A Kulkethüdagasi or Commander of a Janissary Regiment