Artwork
Figure in a striped turban and dress
Figure in a striped turban and dress is a watercolor work on paper by the Impressionist artist Henry Terry. It dates from 1879 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
The photo’s label says it’s a watercolour called *Figure in a striped turban and dress* by Henry Terry, made in 1879.
This black-and-white photo shows a framed artwork with two figures standing side by side. Both are dressed in long robes and head coverings, with one holding a round object. The background has a dark, patterned design with sharp lines and a wavy border at the bottom.
The photo’s label says it’s a watercolour called *Figure in a striped turban and dress* by Henry Terry, made in 1879. The artist focused on realistic details, especially in the clothing and facial expressions.
Check out the Victoria and Albert Museum to see more works like this.
Overview
Created in 1879, this watercolour by Henry Terry bears the artist’s signature and date. The work presents two standing figures dressed in long robes and distinctive headgear, set against a dark, patterned backdrop that includes sharp linear motifs and a wavy lower border.
Subject & Meaning
One of the figures wears a striped turban and a matching dress, while the companion holds a circular object, suggesting a possible narrative or ceremonial context. The composition emphasizes the contrast between the richly detailed attire and the subdued background, drawing attention to cultural dress.
Technique & Style
Terry employs a realistic approach, rendering the textures of fabric and facial features with meticulous attention. The watercolour medium allows for delicate washes that define the intricate patterns of the turban and the subtle shading of the figures’ faces.
History & Provenance
The piece is catalogued under the title *Figure in a striped turban and dress* and is part of the Victoria and Albert Museum’s collection, where it is displayed alongside other 19th‑century works that explore portraiture and costume.
Context
Produced during the late Victorian era, the work reflects contemporary interest in exoticism and the study of non‑Western dress. Terry’s focus on accurate detail aligns with the period’s broader artistic concern for ethnographic representation.
Artist & collection
Artist
Henry Terry painted watercolors in the late 1800s, mostly soft portraits like *Figure in a striped turban and dress* from 1879.
