Artwork
Üsküdar and Saray Burnu from Galata, with the Sea of Marmara in the distance
Üsküdar and Saray Burnu from Galata, with the Sea of Marmara in the distance is a watercolor work on paper by the British Romanticist artist Mary Anne Turner. It dates from 1826 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
The work is a watercolour that presents a view of Üsküdar and the Saray Burnu peninsula as seen from the Galata side of Istanbul, with the Sea of Marmara stretching into the distance. The composition balances architectural elements and natural scenery, creating a calm, open vista that emphasizes the city's relationship to the surrounding water.
Subject & Meaning
The scene captures a tranquil urban landscape where modest trees and low-rise buildings frame the shoreline, while a few vessels drift on the sea. The light, airy sky and the gentle horizon convey a sense of peacefulness, inviting contemplation of the everyday harmony between the city’s built environment and its maritime setting.
Technique & Style
Executed in watercolour, the artist employs a muted palette of soft hues, allowing washes to blend seamlessly across sky and water. Delicate brushwork defines the foliage and architectural outlines without harsh edges, producing an overall impression of calm. The approach aligns with Romantic sensibilities that prioritize emotive atmosphere over precise detail.
History & Provenance
Acquired in October 1972 from the dealer Holder, the piece was purchased for £14 alongside a related drawing. The modest price and paired acquisition suggest it was part of a small collection of works, possibly intended for study or as decorative prints rather than as a high‑value commodity.
Context
The watercolour appears to be a reinterpretation of an earlier drawing, a practice common among artists who revisited popular vistas for different media. By rendering the Istanbul waterfront in a gentle, lyrical manner, the work reflects the 19th‑century Romantic interest in scenic views that evoke emotional response to nature and cityscape alike.
Artist & collection
Artist
Mary Anne Turner painted crisp watercolors of 19th-century Istanbul. In 1826 she stood at the Galata waterfront and recorded Üsküdar and Saray Burnu from Galata, with the Sea of Marmara in the distance, then turned…
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