Artwork
A Tatar, or Government Courier
A Tatar, or Government Courier is a watercolor work on paper by the Orientalist artist Amedeo Preziosi. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
A Tatar, or Government Courier is a watercolour depicting a lone figure in a sparse outdoor setting. The work is one of a series of single-figure studies.
Subject & Meaning
The subject is a Tatar, a government courier known for long, uninterrupted journeys. The figure is shown holding a folded paper, symbolizing his role as a messenger.
Technique & Style
The drawing features bold, vibrant colours, particularly the red and gold embroidery on the dark coat, which contrasts with the plain background. The use of bright colours and detailed costume suggests an emphasis on the subject's attire.
History & Provenance
The work is part of a series, with multiple versions existing, one dated around 1843 and another in an album titled Costumes of Constantinople from 1844. It was purchased by Schidlof in August 1977.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Amedeo Preziosi (2 December 1816 – 27 September 1882) was a Maltese painter and traveler known for his watercolours and prints of Constantinople, the Balkans, Ottoman Empire, and Romania.
