Artwork
Persian Shawl-Merchant
Persian Shawl-Merchant is a watercolor work on paper by the Impressionist artist Amedeo Preziosi. It dates from 1855 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
This watercolour depicts a figure identified as a Persian shawl-merchant, showcasing the artist's skill in capturing detailed, colourful attire.
Subject & Meaning
The subject is an itinerant dealer in Persian shawls, a theme recurring in other works of the period, such as the Curzon and Christie's albums. The figure's elaborate dress suggests a specific cultural or historical context.
Technique & Style
Executed in watercolour, the work features soft, light colours and a plain background, drawing focus to the subject's intricate, layered robes and accessories.
History & Provenance
The painting was acquired from N. Vilag in April 1966. It is part of a group of single-figure studies, with variations indicating possible copies or interpretations by the artist or others, including his daughter Mathilde.
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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.
