Object Description
Orientalist watercolour by Stephanoff of a Middle Eastern scene
English, 1855
Paper: Height 22cm, width 30cm
Frame: Height 45cm, width 51.5cm, depth 3cm
This expertly rendered watercolour painting depicts a scene set in the Middle East. A Sultan figure enters the scene from the right, seated atop an elegant white horse and dressed in a lavish Orientalist fashion. He gestures towards a young woman, who seems to be being offered to him by a man in the centre. The woman immediately catches the attention of the viewer, standing out from the crowd with her pale skin, delicate features, and light-toned clothing. The exchange is watched by an attentive crowd, who react with varying responses. Each figure in the scene is imbued with a strong sense of character, drawing the viewer into the dynamism of the scene.
Further Orientalist references can be seen in the Middle Eastern architecture, as well as the large, ornately decorated mosque which dominates the background of the scene.
The painting is signed in the lower left-hand corner ‘J. Stephanoff 1855’. A skilled watercolourist, the artist James Stephanoff (1784-1874) specialised in historical reconstructions, and in 1830 was appointed the historical painter in watercolours to King William IV. His work is now housed in several notable public collections including the British Museum.
This dynamic watercolour scene is rendered with impressive technique, and would make an excellent addition to a collection of Orientalist art.