A stroll along the Bosphorus

Fausto Zonaro arrived in Constantinople in 1891 and in 1896 was appointed court painter to Sultan Abdulhamit II. Zonaro's introduction to the Ottoman Sultan was brokered by the Italian Ambassador Panza and supported by the Superintendant of protocol Münir Bey. Zonaro's recently completed work Ertugrul Cavalry Regiment had earned him great acclaim and increased his following. His position at court allowed him to befriend many members of the Imperial family and he executed numerous family portaits and historical works that decorated the palaces.

The present work is a private commission; the well dressed Turkish lady is accompanied by her servant as she strolls along the shores of the Bosphorus enjoying the panorama of the city beyond.