British sailors in an Egyptian Fort at Alexandria
1884
watercolor
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
1884
watercolor
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
British sailors in an Egyptian Fort at Alexandria is a 1884 watercolor by John Evan RA Hodgson, a Impressionism work, depicting Cannon, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.
This painting shows a rocky seaside fort with three sailors in white uniforms. Two sit on a cannon, chatting, while one stands below, holding a hat. The ocean stretches out behind them, with ships far in the distance. The light is bright, making the rocks and water glow. The artist used soft, quick brushstrokes to capture the light and movement, a style that makes the scene feel alive. The focus on everyday sailors and old cannons feels real, not staged. Check out the Victoria and Albert Museum to see more works like this in person.
The painting depicts British sailors positioned within an Egyptian fort at Alexandria, referencing a photograph from 1882 when the British fleet bombarded the city to enable General Wolseley’s forces to advance against Urabi Pasha’s Egyptian army. Executed in 1884 by John Evan Hodgson, the work reflects the historical conflict that culminated in the British victory at Tell al-Kabir. The composition is based on a documented photograph reproduced in P. Mansfield’s 1971 publication *The British in Egypt*. The painting was acquired by Maas in July 1975 for £85, with additional works exchanged in…
Read the full account in the museum source.
John Evan Hodgson liked to hang around docks, sketchbook in hand, watching sailors and ships more than palaces.
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