The Turkish Letter Writer

Artist Sir David Wilkie (Pitlessie, Fife, Scotland, 1785 - 1841)

Date1840

Mediumoil on panel

ClassificationsPaintings And Drawings

DimensionsOverall: Height: 71.7 cm, Width: 54 cm
Frame: Height: 83.6 cm, Width: 67.4 cm, Depth: 6.5 cm
Glass measurements 715 x 550mm

AcquisitionPurchased in 1959 with income from the Webster Bequest.

CopyrightOut of copyright - CC0

LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub

Object numberABDAG003535

Keywords

About MeIn Wilkie's journal, the artist recalls walking through Constantinople when he saw at the outer court of a mosque; "a scribe of the most venerable appearance. He was reading a letter or paper he had been writing for two Turkish young women - one very handsome - the way they were placed made an excellent composition for a picture".

Wilkie made a sketch of the scene which became the subject of this panel painting begun in Constantinople. The artist may have intended to finish the picture on his return to England, but he died at sea during the return journey.

When this work was first shown in London, a critic pointed out that one of the girls was in Greek, rather than Turkish costume. We are left wondering if Wilkie saw or invented this episode.

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What do you think the women are asking the man to write for them?