Artwork

Syria. east view of Caiffe a Turkish town at the foot of Mount Carmel

Syria. east view of Caiffe a Turkish town at the foot of Mount Carmel is a watercolor work on paper by the Orientalist artist Cooper Willyams. It dates from 1799 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This watercolour painting, titled 'Syria.

About this work

Overview

This watercolour painting, titled 'Syria. east view of Caiffe a Turkish town at the foot of Mount Carmel', presents a serene landscape scene. Created by Reverend Cooper Willyams, it showcases a tranquil atmosphere with a body of water, figures, and a distant town at the foot of a mountain.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts Caiffa, a Turkish town at the base of Mount Carmel, featuring figures on horseback and on foot near a body of water. Palm trees on the left add a tropical element to the scene, evoking a sense of calmness and serenity.

Technique & Style

Executed in watercolour, the work is characterised by soft, muted colours, particularly in the sky. The artist's use of this medium creates a dreamy, tranquil atmosphere, typical of the Romanticism movement.

History & Provenance

The watercolour was later reproduced as an etching and aquatint in two published volumes, in 1802 and 1822. The original drawing, along with a companion piece, was sold at Sotheby's in 1972 for £35.