Artwork
Nilometer, Elephantine
Nilometer, Elephantine is a watercolor work on paper by the Aestheticist artist Peter William Skinner Miles. It dates from 1880 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
Nilometer, Elephantine is a watercolour created by Peter William Skinner Miles in 1880, depicting a stone structure with a tower and adjacent wall set amidst a serene landscape with water, boats, trees, and hills.
Subject & Meaning
The subject is a Nilometer, an ancient structure used to measure the Nile's water level, located on Elephantine Island. The artwork conveys a sense of tranquility, emphasizing the interplay of light on water and stone textures.
Technique & Style
Executed in watercolour, the piece features soft, gentle brushstrokes and a muted color palette, capturing the subtleties of natural light and texture. While stylistically distinct, it shares with Impressionism a focus on light effects.
History & Provenance
Previously owned and sold at Sotheby's (Lot 325, November 8, 1984), the painting's earlier ownership history is not detailed here.
Context
Created in 1880, the work reflects 19th-century European interest in Egyptian antiquities and landscapes, often depicted in watercolour for its expressive, lightweight suitability for travel sketches.
Legacy
Nilometer, Elephantine contributes to the broader legacy of European artists documenting Egyptian subjects during the 19th century, though its specific influence or prominence in the artist's oeuvre is not highlighted here.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Peter Miles carried a tiny wooden paint box across the Mediterranean just to chase the way light hits whitewashed walls.
