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Haghia Sophia [Aya Sofia] with the first gate of the Seraglio, Constantinople

Unknown

1760

watercolor

From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum

Rococo painting Romanticism 18th Century Architectural

Dominant colour

Haghia Sophia [Aya Sofia] with the first gate of the Seraglio, Constantinople is a 1760 watercolor by Unknown, a Rococo painting work, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.

Who painted this?: Unknown
When & what style?: 1760 · Rococo painting
Where can I see it?: Victoria and Albert Museum

About this work

This painting shows a grand building with a big dome and two tall towers. The sky above is painted with soft, fluffy clouds in light blues and whites. In front of the building, people walk, ride horses, and carry things, while a few animals wander around. The colors are mostly muted, with the dome glowing slightly against the pale background. The artist focused on the building’s details—like the arched windows and the way light hits the dome. This kind of careful observation was common in the early days of watercolor. If you like this style, look up Romanticism to see more works from this movement.

The story of this work

Overview

This 1760 watercolor depicts the Hagia Sophia alongside the first gate of the Seraglio in Constantinople, though its architectural inaccuracies suggest the artist may never have seen the structures in person. Stylistic similarities to works by Borra are noted, yet inconsistencies and the absence of known preparatory sketches complicate attribution to him or his studio. The composition was sold by Phillips, Son & Neale in August 1972 for £85.

Read the full account in the museum source.