Artwork
Turk drinking coffee
Turk drinking coffee is an oil painting by Johann Samuel Mock. It dates from 1722 and is held in the collection of the National Museum in Warsaw.
About this work
Overview
Johann Samuel Mock’s oil painting, dated around 1722, portrays a solitary figure engaged in the act of drinking coffee. The work is part of the collection of the National Museum in Warsaw and exemplifies early eighteenth‑century European interest in Oriental subjects.
Subject & Meaning
The central figure is dressed in a red robe, white shirt and a turban, seated at a modest table with a steaming cup and a small dish. He holds a sheet of paper in his left hand, while his right elbow rests on his knee and his chin is supported by his hand, suggesting a moment of quiet reflection.
Technique & Style
Mock employs chiaroscuro to model the figure against a dark background, allowing the warm light from the cup to illuminate the subject’s face and garments. This contrast creates depth and draws attention to the intimate setting, while the brushwork remains smooth and controlled, typical of the period’s academic approach.
History & Provenance
Created circa 1722, the painting entered the National Museum in Warsaw’s holdings, where it remains on display. Its provenance prior to acquisition by the museum is not extensively documented, but the work reflects the broader European fascination with Turkish culture during the early Enlightenment.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
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