Jean-Baptiste Barla, Nefer, 1840, Ink & Watercolor on Paper

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China ink and watercolor on paper applied on cardboard, realized by Barla in 1840. Not signed, in very good condition. … Read more China ink and watercolor on paper applied on cardboard, realized by Barla in 1840. Not signed, in very good condition. An intriguing and rare 19th-century historical costume plate illustrating a Nefer (the Ottoman Turkish military term for a private soldier or recruit, translated by the parallel contemporary Italian inscription "Semplice Soldato dell’Arsenale"). This rank corresponds specifically to guards or regular infantrymen assigned to the Imperial Arsenal (Tersane-i Amire) in Constantinople, which served as the main naval base and shipyard of the Ottoman Empire. This piece is attributed to the mentioned designer/maker. It has no attribution mark and no
official proof of authenticity,
however it is well documented in design history. I take full responsibility for any authenticity



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