Open full image Pin

Entrance to the Cannon Gate (Top Kapisi) in Constantinople

Unknown

1850

watercolor

From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum

Romanticism Early 19th Century

Dominant colour

Entrance to the Cannon Gate (Top Kapisi) in Constantinople is a 1850 watercolor by Unknown, a Romanticism work, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.

Who painted this?: Unknown
When & what style?: 1850 · Romanticism
Where can I see it?: Victoria and Albert Museum

About this work

This sketch shows a dusty, sunlit street in a city with old stone walls. Two people stand near a large arched doorway, one bent over, the other standing with hands in pockets. Tall, skinny trees line the path, and a small building sits to the left. The colors are soft—beiges, browns, and a touch of green—with quick, loose brushstrokes. The artist focused on light and shadow to show depth, especially in the doorway and trees. This style was common in watercolors of the time. Next, check out the Victoria and Albert Museum to see more works like this.

The story of this work

Overview

A watercolour drawing titled *Entrance to the Cannon Gate (Top Kapisi) in Constantinople* from 1850, previously tentatively attributed to D. H. McKewan, was purchased from James Mackinnon in May 1971 for £16 according to Rodney Searight’s records.

Read the full account in the museum source.