Artwork
Mounted Arab horseman

Mounted Arab horseman is a watercolor work on paper by the Orientalist artist Unknown. It dates from 1835 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
This watercolour depicts a mounted Arab horseman, created in 1835. It is one of a series of similar drawings, likely intended as illustrations.
Subject & Meaning
The rider wears a formal red coat with gold trim and a tall white hat, suggesting a high-ranking or military figure. The horse is white with a decorated saddle, holding a rope in its mouth, and is shown in a dynamic pose.
Technique & Style
The work is executed in soft watercolours with clean lines, focusing attention on the rider and horse against a plain background. The simplicity and care of the painting highlight the artist's attention to detail.
History & Provenance
The drawing appears to have been torn from an album or scrapbook, along with five similar works, indicating a possible original context as part of a collection or series of illustrations.
Context
The work reflects a historical interest in documenting Arab culture and equestrian traditions.
Artist & collection









![A Shaykh with his Son[?] on Mules, with their Sais [groom], by S. Bossi](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/s-bossi--a-shaykh-with-his-son-on-mules-with-their-sais-groom--240d85ba529e2bf3-w320.webp)



![A Mounted Mamluk with his Sais [Groom], by S. Bossi](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/s-bossi--a-mounted-mamluk-with-his-sais-groom--93e3f53d48765120-w320.webp)

![Mounted crusader [?] holding discussion with standing man, by Unknown](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/unknown--mounted-crusader-holding-discussion-with-standing-man--9b99697bca24a72f-w320.webp)
