Počitelj, Ottoman Town In Bosnia And Herzegovina With Mosque And Minaret, Early 20th Century

Počitelj, Ottoman Town in Bosnia and Herzegovina with Mosque and Minaret, First Half of the 20th Century

Oil on canvas
First half of the 20th century
Signed lower right “Kars”
In need of restoration

View of Počitelj, in Bosnia and Herzegovina, an ancient fortified town which underwent significant development during the Ottoman period. The town is depicted rising along the hillside, with its mosque and tall minaret, traditional houses and numerous small domes punctuating the urban landscape.

The painting also has significant documentary interest. Počitelj long preserved a remarkably coherent ensemble of Ottoman architecture, which was severely damaged during the Bosnian War of 1992–1995. The painting therefore records the appearance of the town before these destructions and the subsequent restorations.

The painting is signed “Kars” lower right; the artist has not yet been identified with certainty.

On the reverse of the canvas is an old, partially faded pencil inscription in which the name “Počitelj” appears to be legible.

The paint surface shows areas of lifting and some losses and is in need of restoration. Period gilt frame with natural signs of age