The Yeni Valide Camii and the Süleymaniye Mosque, with the Golden Horn in the forground

The Yeni Valide Camii and the Süleymaniye Mosque, with the Golden Horn in the forground

John Richard Coke Smyth

1836

watercolor

From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum

About this work

This painting shows two big domed buildings with tall spires, sitting on a hill by the water. In the foreground, a small boat floats near the shore, with a person sitting inside. The colors are soft—lots of pale blues, grays, and earthy browns—and the whole scene looks a little faded, like it’s been exposed to light for a long time. The artist focused on the light hitting the domes and the water, making some parts glow while others stay shadowy. This was a common trick in the 1830s to create mood. Check out the Victoria and Albert Museum to see this painting in person.

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