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An Ottoman official, possibly a Miri Alem, or leader of troops

Anonymous Greek artist

1809

watercolor

From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum

Ottoman Miniature Romanticism Early 19th Century Portrait

Dominant colour

An Ottoman official, possibly a Miri Alem, or leader of troops is a 1809 watercolor by Anonymous Greek artist, a Ottoman Miniature work, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.

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

The story of this work

Overview

An anonymous Greek artist created this depiction of an Ottoman official in 1809, possibly portraying a Miri Alem or military leader. The figure is shown wearing a figured silk robe, a large white turban, and holding a staff, facing left. The work was part of a larger series commissioned by Stratford Canning during his diplomatic mission in Istanbul. The Victoria and Albert Museum acquired the original set of drawings in 1895 from Canning’s daughter Charlotte.

Read the full account in the museum source.