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Portrait bust, facing right, of an Eastern dignitary

Unknown

1850

watercolor

From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum

Portrait

Dominant colour

Portrait bust, facing right, of an Eastern dignitary is a 1850 watercolor by Unknown, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.

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

About this work

This painting shows a man with a long white beard and curly hair, dressed in rich robes. His hat has gold and brown stripes, and he wears a green-and-gold sash over a white shirt. The background is plain and dark, keeping all focus on his face and clothing. The artist used soft shading to give his face a gentle, three-dimensional look. The colors are warm, with gold and brown dominating the robes. If you like this style, look up *sfumato* next.

The story of this work

Overview

The bust depicts an Eastern dignitary facing right, attributed to an unknown artist from 1850. Historical speculation links the figure to Ali Pasha of Ioannina, as recorded in the Searight Archive.

Read the full account in the museum source.