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Sheik of Turkish Cavalry

Godfrey Thomas Vigne

1844

watercolor

From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum

Orientalism Romanticism Early 19th Century Portrait

Dominant colour

Sheik of Turkish Cavalry is a 1844 watercolor by Godfrey Thomas Vigne, a Orientalism work, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.

Who painted this?: Godfrey Thomas Vigne
When & what style?: 1844 · Orientalism
Where can I see it?: Victoria and Albert Museum

About this work

This sketch shows a man in profile wearing a large turban with a pinkish stripe. His mustache is thick, and the hat covers most of his head, leaving just his face and neck visible. The drawing is loose and quick, with soft watercolor strokes. The signature notes this was drawn in Constantinople (now Istanbul) in 1844. The artist was sketching a sheik, or leader, of Turkish cavalry. Next, look up Romanticism to see how artists like this one used emotion and adventure in their work.

The story of this work

Overview

A watercolour drawing titled *Sheik of Turkish Cavalry* was executed by Godfrey Thomas Vigne in 1844. The work entered the collection through Frank Vigne, a descendant of the artist, who acquired it from Charles Griffin of Monmouth in two transactions during 1978 and 1979.

Read the full account in the museum source.