Praying Tartars, Istrimdjami-Kara-sou-Bazar, Crimea, October 19, 1837 1844

"Praying Tartars" is a lithograph by Auguste Raffet depicting a scene of Crimean Tatars praying in a mosque. The artist, known for his depictions of military life, captures the solemnity of the scene, showing a large group of men kneeling in prayer within a simple, but beautifully decorated space. Created in 1844, the work is a testament to Raffet’s keen eye for detail and his ability to portray the diverse cultures and religious practices of the 19th century. This lithograph, now housed in the Art Institute of Chicago, is a significant example of Raffet’s work, and offers a glimpse into the daily life of the Crimean Tatars in the 19th century.