Ansen Atilla

Condition: This work is in very good condition. Colour: The catalogue illustration is accurate; however, overal the tonality is lighter and more matte in the original work.
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Ansen's Guns of War series aims to examine and revive the cultural structures of the civilisations that have played important roles in history. Guns of War II, the last work in this incredibly thought out series, focuses on one of the most important institutions which changed the structure of the Ottoman Empire.

The practice of devshirme was established under the ruling of Murad I and the primary objective was to train the children recruited from the Christian families in the Balkans. If these youths passed the fitness tests and were able to fight well, they would then be sent to join the Janissary Corps; if they were more successful in theoretical roles, they would receive a royal education in order to ultimately earn a career in the palace itself, sometimes leading to the very highest office of state.

It is the strength of the young boys which Ansen focuses on in the current work, flattering the enviable might of the youth enrolled on the programme, allowing the viewer to witness a unique moment of their training. The underground setting lit only by candles gives the scene an almost sacred feel, which is fitting given the common religious features and environment of the devshirme.

In Ottoman history, most of the military leaders and bureaucrats had enrolled in the devshirme system and by the fall of Constantinople in 1453, this process had started to gain enormous political power. Over time however, their discipline eroded and it declined rapidly by the 17^th century until Mahmud II abolished it in 1826. It is still argued today whether the devshirme system played a key role in the collapse of the Empire or not.

Ansen's incredible technique of seemingly morphing painting, photography and sculpture into one colossal work, is seen at its very best in the last of the Guns of War series. It is only fitting that he returned to the history of his native country and to a subject which helped progress and yet diminish the Ottoman Empire.

Undoubtedly one of the most exciting and profound works by Ansen, Guns of War II is a staggering masterpiece.