Studies of Male Figures in Turkish Dress

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Drawing details

Artist: Formerly attributed to Leighton, Lord, Frederic (1830-1896), Baron of Stretton, P.R.A., painter and sculptor
Title: Studies of Male Figures in Turkish Dress
Date: 1845-65
Media: Pencil and watercolour on white paper
Dimensions: 29.5 x 41.0 cm
Location: Leighton House Museum
Picture credit: Leighton House Museum, Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
Reference number: LHO/D/0438 p.6
Inscriptions: Inscribed lower edge "Kapici Bactn Oficie de lit auf Reis Efendi maestro di gran sinore oficiere de la paupe" in pencil, probably in the artist's hand.

Interpretation

Inscribed 'Capidji Bachi'. This is the same officer as 2 (ii) and 3 (i) shown in ceremonial dress, here in ordinary dress. This figure corresponds to Plate 15 in Alexander, Picturesque Representations of the Dress and Manners of the Turks. ii) Inscribed 'Officie de lit, auf Reis Efendi'. The Reis Efendi united the positions of the Secretary of State, High Chancellor of the Empire, and Minister of Foreign Affairs. This figure corresponds to Alexander, Plate 40. iii) Inscribed 'Maestro di gram Signore'. This is probably another member of the legal profession indicated by the size and shape of the turban. iv) Inscribed 'Officere de la paupe'. This official was turban bearer to the Grand Signor. He had a conspicuous place in several of the grand processions of the Sultan who always had two turbans carried before him.

Description

Full-length studies of four male figures in Turkish dress. 

Provenance

Presented to Leighton House Museum by 1926