Artwork
A Whirling Dervish
A Whirling Dervish is a watercolor work on paper by the Impressionist artist Aloysius Rosarius Amadeus Raymondus Andreas Preziosi. It dates from 1857 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
A Whirling Dervish is a watercolour created in 1857 by Aloysius Rosarius Amadeus Raymondus Andreas, 5th Count Preziosi. It is one of several single-figure studies of oriental characters produced by the artist in multiple versions.
Subject & Meaning
The subject is a whirling dervish depicted in dynamic pose, with outstretched arms and raised right foot, wearing a long yellow robe and tall brown hat, accompanied by a long grey beard. The composition focuses attention on the figure through a plain beige background.
Technique & Style
Executed in a realistic style, the watercolour demonstrates meticulous attention to detail in the rendering of the dervish's attire and facial expression.
History & Provenance
Acquired from Maggs in March 1971 for £5, this piece is part of a larger set with groups held by the Victoria and Albert Museum, the British Museum, and a third set sold at auction in 1987.
Artist & collection
Artist
Aloysius Rosarius Amadeus Raymondus Andreas Preziosi
Amedeo Preziosi (2 December 1816 – 27 September 1882) was a Maltese painter and traveler known for his watercolours and prints of Constantinople, the Balkans, Ottoman Empire, and Romania.
![Portrait of Trehem[?]Walid 'Abdullah, an Arab from Iraq, by Aloysius Rosarius Amadeus Raymondus Andreas Preziosi](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/aloysius-rosarius-amadeus-raymondus-andreas-preziosi--portrait-of-trehem-walid-abdullah-an-arab-from-iraq--2476a3692d0929a5-w320.webp)
![A Seller of Milk-puddings [Mahallebi], by Aloysius Rosarius Amadeus Raymondus Andreas Preziosi](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/aloysius-rosarius-amadeus-raymondus-andreas-preziosi--a-seller-of-milk-puddings-mahallebi--3da9fd2db017402d-w320.webp)
![A Baltaci[?], or Palace guard, by Anonymous Greek artist](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/anonymous-greek-artist--a-baltaci-or-palace-guard--931aad5ea3918e2c-w320.webp)
