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Village men conversing with two armed horsemen, Algiers

Andrew Carrick RA RI Gow

1884

watercolor

From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum

Impressionism Realism Late 19th Century

Dominant colour

Village men conversing with two armed horsemen, Algiers is a 1884 watercolor by Andrew Carrick RA RI Gow, a Impressionism work, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.

Who painted this?: Andrew Carrick RA RI Gow
When & what style?: 1884 · Impressionism
Where can I see it?: Victoria and Albert Museum

About this work

This 1884 watercolour shows men talking outside a small house near Algiers. Two armed horsemen join them. A basket of oranges sits nearby—maybe they’re making a deal. The artist might never have visited Algeria. He could have used photos or other images instead. Yet he still painted this scene like he saw it himself. Check out the artist who created this scene: Gow, Andrew Carrick RA RI.

The story of this work

Overview

Two armed horsemen converse with village men outside a small house near the Fontaine du Hamma and the Café des Platanes on the outskirts of Algiers. A basket of oranges lies at their feet, possibly indicating a negotiation. The composition may resemble one titled *Algerian Gossip*, exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1886. It remains uncertain whether Gow witnessed the scene firsthand or based it on another source.

Read the full account in the museum source.