A Turkish Porter (Hamal)

Unknown

1885

watercolor

From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum

Impressionism orientalism Realism Late 19th Century

About this work

This sketch shows a man bent under a huge load. His clothes are simple and worn, with a green headscarf and a long coat. The pack on his back is lumpy, like sacks stuffed with goods, and he grips a long pole over his shoulder. The drawing looks quick and rough, almost like a snapshot. The colors are muted, with earthy browns and soft blues, and the paper shows age. Check out the Victoria and Albert Museum to see more sketches like this.