Who painted Portrait of Süleyman Pasha?

Portrait of Süleyman Pasha was painted by Unknown in 1878.

Where can I see Portrait of Süleyman Pasha?

Portrait of Süleyman Pasha is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is Portrait of Süleyman Pasha?

Portrait of Süleyman Pasha is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Portrait of Süleyman Pasha

Unknown , 1878

Portrait of Süleyman Pasha is a watercolor work on paper by the Impressionist artist Unknown. It dates from 1878 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This 1878 watercolour portrait depicts Süleyman Pasha on horseback, characterized by dynamic energy and tension.

About this work

Overview

This 1878 watercolour portrait depicts Süleyman Pasha on horseback, characterized by dynamic energy and tension. The work is attributed to an artist signing with the monogram 'C. H' or 'H., C', associated with the Illustrated London News during the Russo-Turkish War.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, Süleyman Pasha, is portrayed in a dark uniform and hat, riding a rearing horse amidst a backdrop of rocks, bushes, and distant figures. His serious expression and the horse’s pose convey a sense of intensity, potentially alluding to his role in the war context.

Technique & Style

The artist employed watercolour to achieve a vivid, dynamic effect. The composition emphasizes movement and drama, with expressive use of colour drawing the viewer into the scene. While stylistic influences are not explicitly documented, the emphasis on capturing a moment of energy aligns with contemporary war art practices.

History & Provenance

Created during the Russo-Turkish War (1877-78), the portrait was likely produced for publication in the Illustrated London News, given the artist’s known association with the newspaper. It was acquired by the collection from Lucy Hoare in September 1967 for £3, as noted in Rodney Searight’s records.

Context

The work is situated within the journalistic war art of its time, reflecting the Illustrated London News’s practice of dispatching artists to conflict zones to capture timely, engaging visuals for its readership. The war provided a significant backdrop, with the artist likely aiming to convey the immediacy of the conflict.

Legacy

While the artist behind 'C. H'/'H., C' remains obscure, the portrait of Süleyman Pasha contributes to the visual historical record of the Russo-Turkish War. Its preservation offers insights into late 19th-century war journalism and artistic practices.