Open full image Pin

An Ottoman cleric, possibly the Nakibulesraf, or the representative at Istanbul of the Sherif of Mecca

Anonymous Greek artist

1809

watercolor

From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum

Orientalism Romanticism Early 19th Century

Dominant colour

An Ottoman cleric, possibly the Nakibulesraf, or the representative at Istanbul of the Sherif of Mecca is a 1809 watercolor by Anonymous Greek artist, a Orientalism work, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.

Who painted this?: Anonymous Greek artist
When & what style?: 1809 · Orientalism
Where can I see it?: Victoria and Albert Museum

The story of this work

Overview

A figure identified as an Ottoman cleric, dressed in plain green robes and a large turban, is depicted facing right in this watercolor and bodycolor study. The work is part of a larger series of views and studies commissioned by diplomat Stratford Canning during his time in Istanbul in 1808–1809. The artist, likely associated with the circle of Konstantin Kapidagli, blends Ottoman artistic techniques with European perspective and representation. The series was later bound in a volume and acquired by the Victoria and Albert Museum in 1895 from Canning’s daughter, Charlotte.

Read the full account in the museum source.