Artwork

The Sweet Waters of Europe, Constantinople

The Sweet Waters of Europe, Constantinople, by Aloysius Rosarius Amadeus Raymondus Andreas Preziosi, watercolor, 1855
The Sweet Waters of Europe, Constantinople, by Aloysius Rosarius Amadeus Raymondus Andreas Preziosi, watercolor, 1855

The Sweet Waters of Europe, Constantinople is a watercolor work on paper by the Impressionist artist Aloysius Rosarius Amadeus Raymondus Andreas Preziosi. It dates from 1855 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

The artist painted how locals took to boats even though they came from a nomadic past.

This watercolor shows a busy riverside scene near Constantinople around 1855. Boats float under big plane trees that give shade along the Golden Horn. People used these boats for pleasure trips out to the Bosphorus.

The artist painted how locals took to boats even though they came from a nomadic past. Plane trees line many old town spots and mosque yards there. The work mixes Realism with Impressionist touches in light and color.

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Overview

The Sweet Waters of Europe, Constantinople is a watercolour painting depicting a lively scene near Constantinople around 1855.

Subject & Meaning

The painting shows the Golden Horn, where boats were hired for leisure trips to the Bosphorus, shaded by large plane trees characteristic of ancient town centres and mosque precincts.

Technique & Style

The work blends Realist representation with Impressionist influences in its use of light and colour.

Artist & collection