Jean Baptiste Vanmour, also known as Van Mour, was a Flemish-French painter who is remembered for his detailed portrayal of life in the Ottoman Empire during the Tulip Era and the rule of Sultan Ahmed III. Born on January 9, 1671, in Valenciennes, a Flemish town that belonged to the Spanish Netherlands at the time but was later annexed by France in 1678, Vanmour's artistic career would take him to the heart of the Ottoman Empire.
Early Life and Training
Vanmour studied art in the studio of
Jacques-Albert Gérin, where his work caught the attention of
Marquis Charles de Ferriol, an aristocrat and statesman. When De Ferriol was appointed as the French Ambassador to Constantinople in 1699, Vanmour accompanied him and began creating a series of oil paintings depicting the local people. This commission would become a defining aspect of his career, leading to the creation of over one hundred portraits.
Artistic Career
After De Ferriol's return to France in 1711, Vanmour continued to work for various diplomats in the Ottoman Empire. His paintings were widely admired, and a series of engravings based on his portraits was published by
Le Hay in 1714, titled "Recueil de cent estampes représentant différentes nations du Levant." This publication not only showcased Vanmour's skill but also significantly influenced Western European art. Painting audiences with the Sultan became a specialty for Vanmour, who would often change the setting and a few faces to create new compositions.
Notable Works and Collections
Some of Vanmour's most notable works include
Ambassador Cornelis Calkoen at his Audience with Sultan Ahmed III,
Sultan Ahmed III, and
The Murder of Patrona Halil and his Fellow Rebels. These paintings are part of the collection held by the Rijksmuseum, which acquired them after they were bequeathed by Cornelis Calkoen. Vanmour's work can also be found in various other collections, including those of the
Metropolitan Museum of Art and the
Louvre Museum.
Legacy and Recognition
Vanmour was granted the title of
Peintre Ordinaire du Roy en Levant in 1725, recognizing his importance to the French government and the Levant. His paintings continue to be celebrated for their detailed portrayal of Ottoman life, offering a unique window into the culture and customs of the time. For more information on Vanmour's life and works, visit
https://WahooArt.com/@/Jean-Baptiste-Vanmour or explore the Rijksmuseum collection online.
For further reading on Jean Baptiste Vanmour and the Ottoman Period Art Movement, visit
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean_Baptiste_Vanmour or explore the various articles and collections available on
https://WahooArt.com, including
The Ilkhanid Art Movement and
The Ottoman Period Art Movement.