Maiden's Tower 

Hoca Ali Riza made this painting of the Maiden’s Tower. We don’t have a date for it, but he was active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The painting is in oil on canvas, traditional materials and processes for its time. But, it isn't the material that's most striking here, it's the light. The sunset is rendered so beautifully, with these glowing oranges and yellows, that the scene almost seems to vibrate. Now, consider what it took to achieve this effect. Riza would have needed to carefully mix his paints to get just the right hues, and then apply them to the canvas with a delicate touch. Look closely and you can see how the brushstrokes create a sense of movement and depth. This is a demonstration of considerable skill, and a testament to Riza’s training as an artist. The result is an image that captures not just a place, but also a feeling.