Turkish sultans, sultanas and other historical figures

1702

From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum

Dominant colour

Turkish sultans, sultanas and other historical figures is a 1702 by Johann Lorenz Honing, a Baroque work, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.

Who painted this?: Johann Lorenz Honing
When & what style?: 1702 · Baroque
Where can I see it?: Victoria and Albert Museum

About this work

This print shows a man with a serious expression, wearing a high-collared coat and a turban. His hair is styled in loose curls, and he holds a folded piece of paper in his left hand. Around his head is a decorative oval frame filled with swirling leaves and flowers. The artist used deep shadows to make his face stand out against the lighter background. This was a common way to draw attention to the subject. Next, look up chiaroscuro to see how artists used light and shadow like this.