Emperor of Morocco sitting on the Steps of the old Moorish palace at Tangiers surrounded by his black Guard to receive the English presents

1814

From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum

Dominant colour

Emperor of Morocco sitting on the Steps of the old Moorish palace at Tangiers surrounded by his black Guard to receive the English presents is a 1814 by Unknown, a Romanticism work, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.

Who painted this?: Unknown
When & what style?: 1814 · Romanticism
Where can I see it?: Victoria and Albert Museum

About this work

This sketch shows a man sitting on steps, dressed in robes, with a crowd around him. Soldiers in dark uniforms stand in rows behind him, holding long poles with flags. The scene looks busy, with people gathered near an old building that has arches and towers. The writing below says this is the "Emperor of Morocco" receiving English visitors. The drawing is loose and quick, like a sketch made on the spot. Look up cross-hatching to see how artists build shading with lines.

The story of this work

Overview

A drawing from 1814 depicts the Emperor of Morocco seated on the steps of an old Moorish palace in Tangiers, surrounded by his black guard, receiving gifts from the English. The work may have been created by a British officer who visited Morocco near the end of the Peninsular War.

Read the full account in the museum source.