The Murder of Sir Louis Cavagnari at Kabul. 1879
1879
watercolor
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
1879
watercolor
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
This painting shows a chaotic battle scene with soldiers in red coats and helmets fighting in a dusty, smoke-filled street. Some men are standing, others are on the ground, and a few appear to be firing guns or holding bayonets. The colors are mostly browns, reds, and grays, with quick, rough brushstrokes that make the scene feel urgent and messy. Notice how the artist used loose, sketchy strokes to show movement and chaos—this wasn’t meant to look polished. The painting captures a moment of violence, but the focus is on the raw energy of the fight. Look up John Absolon to see how his style fits into both Impressionism and Realism.
