Artwork

At Erzeroom The 2 Minarets iki minar

At Erzeroom The 2 Minarets iki minar, by Godfrey Thomas Vigne, watercolor, 1833
At Erzeroom The 2 Minarets iki minar, by Godfrey Thomas Vigne, watercolor, 1833

At Erzeroom The 2 Minarets iki minar is a watercolor work on paper by the Romanticist artist Godfrey Thomas Vigne. It dates from 1833 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

This watercolour painting, titled 'At Erzeroom The 2 Minarets iki minar', depicts the Çifte Minareli Medrese, a madrassa in Erzurum, Turkey. Created by Godfrey Thomas Vigne in 1833, it showcases his documentation of architectural details during his travels.

Subject & Meaning

The painting focuses on the madrassa's two minarets and the adjacent building, highlighting their architectural features. The title 'iki minar' is Vigne's transliteration of the Turkish phrase for 'two minarets'.

Technique & Style

The work is characterized by soft colours, including light blues, warm browns, and muted greys, with an emphasis on capturing the textures and shapes of the architecture. The minarets are rendered with intricate detail, showcasing the artist's attention to the structural elements.

History & Provenance

The watercolour was created during Vigne's travels, which he later documented in his 1842 publication 'Travels in Kashmir'. The painting was acquired from the artist's great-nephew in 1971.

Artist & collection