Pasha grasping a sword at his hip with both hands, from "Caravan of the Sultan to Mecca" (Caravane du Sultan à la Mecque) 1716 - 1809

This etching by Joseph Marie Vien, titled "Pasha grasping a sword at his hip with both hands, from "Caravan of the Sultan to Mecca" (Caravane du Sultan à la Mecque)," depicts a Turkish Pasha in a detailed and expressive manner. The Pasha, adorned with a turban and an intricately patterned robe, is depicted holding a sword with both hands. Vien's meticulous use of lines captures the figure’s distinct features and the textures of the fabric and the surrounding landscape. This artwork is part of a series of etchings created by Vien, which aimed to document the customs and people of the Ottoman Empire. This print, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is a testament to Vien's keen observation and skilled draftsmanship, offering a glimpse into the artist’s fascination with exotic cultures and his ability to capture them with precision.