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Portrait of Süleyman Pasha

Unknown

1878

watercolor

From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum

Impressionism Orientalism Realism Late 19th Century Portrait

Dominant colour

About this work

This painting shows a man riding a horse, with the horse rearing up on its hind legs. The man is wearing a dark uniform and a hat, and he's holding the reins of the horse in his left hand. He's looking to his right, and his face is serious. In the background, there are some rocks and bushes, and a few other people can be seen in the distance. The overall mood of the painting is one of energy and movement, with the horse and rider capturing the viewer's attention. The artist's use of color and composition creates a sense of drama and tension, drawing the viewer into the scene. If you're interested in learning more about this style of painting, you might want to explore the Impressionism movement.

The story of this work

Overview

A watercolour drawing from 1878 depicts Süleyman Pasha, attributed to an artist known only by the monogram C. H (or H., C), who likely worked as a Special Artist for the Illustrated London News during the Russo-Turkish War of 1877–78. The artist’s monogram appears on other works published in the Illustrated London News, including an engraving of the Danube in 1877 and a view of Constantinople in 1878. The portrait was acquired from Lucy Hoare in September 1967 for £3, as recorded in Rodney Searight’s notes.

Read the full account in the museum source.