Entrance to the new Ockella Great Square of Alexandria
1853
watercolor
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
1853
watercolor
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
Entrance to the new Ockella Great Square of Alexandria is a 1853 watercolor by William Carpenter, a Impressionism work, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.
This sketch shows a busy courtyard under an archway. A camel stands near a group of people—some sitting, others walking—while buildings with arched windows line the background. The colors are soft and earthy, with quick brushstrokes that keep things loose. The artist focused on everyday life, not polished details. The scene feels like a snapshot of a moment, not a finished picture. Next, check out the Victoria and Albert Museum to see more works like this.
This watercolour by William Carpenter depicts the entrance to the Ockella, or Wakalah, in the Great Square of Alexandria, a European district at the time. Created in 1853, the work reflects Carpenter’s travels in India and his return journey via the Overland Route. The scene captures a structure combining functions of a caravanserai, hotel, lodging-house, and store, as described in historical accounts. The artwork was purchased by Eyre & Hobhouse, Ltd. in January 1983.
Read the full account in the museum source.
William Carpenter (1818–1899) was an English watercolour artist. He travelled for six or seven years in the 1850s painting scenes of India, its people and its life. The Victoria and Albert Museum bought over 280 of his…
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