Who painted Hormuzd Rassam (1826–1910)?

Hormuzd Rassam (1826–1910) was painted by Arthur Ackland Hunt in 1869.

Where can I see Hormuzd Rassam (1826–1910)?

Hormuzd Rassam (1826–1910) is held by British Museum.

Artwork

Hormuzd Rassam (1826–1910)

Hormuzd Rassam (1826–1910) is an oil painting by Arthur Ackland Hunt. It dates from 1869 and is held in the collection of the British Museum.

About this work

Overview

Arthur Ackland Hunt’s 1869 oil portrait presents the 19th‑century Assyrian archaeologist Hormuzd Rassam seated in a chair, his hands resting on an open book. The sitter wears a dark suit, white shirt and bow tie, his hair neatly arranged and his beard trimmed, conveying a dignified, scholarly presence. The work is part of the British Museum’s collection.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait emphasizes Rassam’s role as a learned figure, the book suggesting his contributions to the study of ancient Near Eastern cultures. By portraying him in formal attire, Hunt aligns the archaeologist with the intellectual elite of Victorian Britain, underscoring the respect accorded to his discoveries and diplomatic work.

Technique & Style

Hunt employs chiaroscuro to model the figure, using contrasts of light and shadow to give the portrait a three‑dimensional quality. The subdued palette of dark fabrics against a lighter background focuses attention on the face and the book, while the brushwork remains smooth and controlled, typical of mid‑Victorian portraiture.

History & Provenance

Created in 1869, the painting entered the British Museum’s holdings as part of its effort to document notable figures linked to the museum’s archaeological acquisitions. The work has remained in the museum’s collection, serving as a visual record of Rassam’s association with British scholarly institutions.

Sir Anthony Panizzi (1797–1879), Principal Librarian (1856–1866), George Frederic Watts

Artist & collection

Artist

Arthur Ackland Hunt

Arthur Ackland Hunt painted scenes of faraway places in watercolor. His brush captured details like the Dress of an (E) Mswahali of Zanzibar around 1866, showing how people dressed in Zanzibar long ago. He painted what…

Museum

British Museum

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