Lot 11430: Schranz - Bachi-Bouzouks

This hand-finished color lithograph is from Joseph Schranz's Album de Constantinope. The work was published in Paris by Frick Freres. The lithograph was completed in stone by A. Bayot. This is a richly coloured image of the Bachi-Bouzouks, the Ottoman Empire's mercenary cavalry.

Bachi-bouzouk or bazibozuklar meant "not having the same hats or heads", referring to the irregular nature of their clothing and arms They were also, inevitably, undisciplined and seem to have come and gone as they liked. They were mercenary cavalry, quite tribal and quite deadly, and not unlike the Cossacks. The irregular nature of their military behavior and commitment amused the French, for whom "Bachi-Bouzouk" became a term of derision, nevertheless, as illustrated here in Schranz' portrait, the bachi-bouzouk were tough, heavily armed fighters, more pirates of the plains than regular cavalry, intimidating and effective.

~ 13" by 17"

Hand-finished Color Lithograph

1865

Overall Excellent. There may be a few minor imperfections to be expected with age. Please review the image carefully for condition.

Album de Constantinope