Dervish 1700 - 1737

Jean Baptiste Vanmour made this evocative painting with oils on canvas sometime between the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Oil paint is wonderful for capturing the texture and weight of the Dervish's clothing. Notice how the folds of his robe are rendered with soft, flowing lines, creating a sense of movement and grace. The choice of oil paint allowed Vanmour to build up layers of color, capturing subtle nuances and depth, especially in the shadows. This painting reflects the early modern European fascination with the “Orient”. Vanmour was part of a tradition of painters who carefully observed and documented the ceremonies of the Ottoman Empire. The artist not only captured the scene before him, but also the cultural significance of the Dervish and their traditions. The skilled application of paint reflects the amount of work involved in the production process, as well as the hierarchies between the fine arts and the traditions of craft.