Artwork

Sketches made during the Campaign of 1854-55 in the Crimea, Circassia and Constantinople

Sketches made during the Campaign of 1854-55 in the Crimea, Circassia and Constantinople is a drawing by the Impressionist artist Christopher Teesdale. It dates from 1854 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

This drawing by Christopher Teesdale, created between 1854-55, is one of several sketches in a campaign notebook documenting the artist's experiences in the Crimea, Circassia, and Constantinople. The work captures a portrait of General Kollman, also identified as Feyzi Bey.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, General Kollman (Feyzi Bey), is portrayed in profile, facing left with a slight turn towards the viewer, emphasizing his individuality. His attire, including a hat and sword, suggests his military or official status, contextualizing the sketch within the broader military campaign.

Technique & Style

Executed as a quick study, the sketch features loose lines and minimal shading. Teesdale employed cross-hatching and stippling to achieve texture and depth, conveying a sense of dynamic energy characteristic of rapid, observational drawing.

History & Provenance

Created during the Crimean War (1853-1856), this sketch is part of a larger sketchbook documenting Teesdale's firsthand observations. The specific provenance and exhibition history of this piece are not detailed here, highlighting its role as part of a broader wartime artistic record.

Context

The sketch reflects the tradition of military campaign art, where artists documented people, places, and events. It aligns with the work of contemporaries who focused on quick, realistic portrayals of subjects in the field.