William James Muller 1812-1845

Sale at Christie's of The Beautiful Works in Oil and Water-colours of the highly talented artist, William James Muller, Esq., deceased..., 1st-3rd April 1846, lot 331

Muller drew the present watercolour when he passed through Smyrna on his journey home in March 1844.  His companion, Harry John Johnson, noted that 'neither climate nor fatigue seemed to have any effect on Muller, and at the day's close he never failed to return with one of those watercolours that have since so powerfully excited the admiration of the world of art.' (N.Neal Solly, Memoir of the Life of William James Muller, 1975, pp.207-8) This lively scene demonstrates the technical confidence Muller had acquired during the previous few months.  The wash is loosely and liberally applied.  The palette may be sombre, but there are bright touches of bodycolour and heightening which draw out details such as the harnesses on the camels and the costumes of the camel traders.  Furthermore, his suggestion of light and atmosphere captures the essence of a Turkish camel market and shows his delight in the local customs he encoutered there