Artwork
Janissary
Janissary is a watercolor work on paper by the Romanticist 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 drawing by William Page portrays a janissary, a member of the elite Ottoman infantry, through direct observation during the artist's Near East travels circa 1819-20.
Subject & Meaning
The depicted janissary, dressed in a long blue coat with red trim, red shoes with gold designs, and a distinctive hat with a tall feather, embodies the artist's fascination with exotic, historicized figures, potentially conveying a sense of dignity and official status.
Technique & Style
Executed in a style characteristic of Page's early 19th-century costume studies, the work emphasizes detailed, realistic rendering of the subject's attire and accessories against a subdued, non-distracting background.
History & Provenance
Part of a collection of studies (SD.720–740) marking two stylistic phases in Page's career, this piece was acquired by the collection from Maggs in 1967.
Context
Created during a period influenced by Romanticism, the work may reflect the era's emphasis on emotional expression and meticulous detail, though Page's approach here prioritizes observational accuracy over overt emotional intensity.
Artist & collection
