Albanian Herdsman 1700 - 1737

Jean Baptiste Vanmour's "Albanian Herdsman" (1700-1737) is a small oil painting depicting a shepherd in traditional dress, holding a staff and leading a lamb. This work, typical of the genre of "portraits of types" popular in the early 18th century, showcases a figure from the Ottoman Empire, capturing the detail of clothing and accessories. Vanmour, who spent much of his career painting in Istanbul, created numerous works documenting the daily life of the region's diverse population. The painting's realistic details, particularly the subject's attire, provide a fascinating insight into the visual culture of the time.