Artwork
The Sweet Waters of Europe, Constantinople
The Sweet Waters of Europe, Constantinople 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
The artist painted how locals took to boats even though they came from a nomadic past.
This watercolor shows a busy riverside scene near Constantinople around 1855. Boats float under big plane trees that give shade along the Golden Horn. People used these boats for pleasure trips out to the Bosphorus.
The artist painted how locals took to boats even though they came from a nomadic past. Plane trees line many old town spots and mosque yards there. The work mixes Realism with Impressionist touches in light and color.
Next, look up the artist.
Overview
The Sweet Waters of Europe, Constantinople is a watercolour painting depicting a lively scene near Constantinople around 1855.
Subject & Meaning
The painting shows the Golden Horn, where boats were hired for leisure trips to the Bosphorus, shaded by large plane trees characteristic of ancient town centres and mosque precincts.
Technique & Style
The work blends Realist representation with Impressionist influences in its use of light and colour.
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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.
