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An Aga of the Janizaries

Artist and publisher Etched and published by Robert Blyth British
July 19, 1779
Not on view
Mortimer's design evokes the dangers and exoticism of the East, with this brooding portrait of a Turkish military leader (Janizaries were members of the sultan's guard who acted as protective escorts for European travelers.) Unconcerned with accurately reproducing his subject's military costume, Mortimer instead concentrated on his deeply shadowed eye, intense gaze, and fierce profile. The freedom of Blyth's etching, especially evident in the expressive line used in the ruff, turban, and background shading, is well matched to Mortimer's inventiveness.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: An Aga of the Janizaries
  • Artist and publisher: Etched and published by Robert Blyth (British, ca. 1750–1784)
  • Artist: After John Hamilton Mortimer (British, Eastbourne 1740–1779 London)
  • Date: July 19, 1779
  • Medium: Etching with touches of stippling
  • Dimensions: Sheet: 14 7/8 x 12 in. (37.8 x 30.5 cm)
  • Classification: Prints
  • Credit Line: Rogers Fund, 1962
  • Object Number: 62.602.174
  • Curatorial Department: Drawings and Prints

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