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Execution at Abu Fatmeh. April 1885

William S. Perry

1885

watercolor

From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum

Impressionism Post-Impressionism Realism Late 19th Century

Dominant colour

Execution at Abu Fatmeh. April 1885 is a 1885 watercolor by William S. Perry, a Impressionism work, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.

Who painted this?: William S. Perry
When & what style?: 1885 · Impressionism
Where can I see it?: Victoria and Albert Museum

About this work

This watercolor shows a group of soldiers standing in a line, dressed in uniforms with helmets and rifles. Behind them, a man in light clothing stands near a small building with a sign. The scene looks like a dry, open area with a tree and distant hills. The colors are mostly muted, with some dark shadows and light reflections. The soldiers are arranged in a strict formation, while the man in light clothing seems to be watching or directing. The painting looks like it was done quickly, with loose brushstrokes and a focus on capturing the moment as it happened. Next, check out the Victoria and Albert Museum to see more works like this.

The story of this work

Overview

A watercolour drawing titled *Execution at Abu Fatmeh* was created by William S. Perry in April 1885. It is one of 27 scenes depicting the British Campaign in Egypt (1882) and the Nile Expedition (1884–85). The work reflects contemporary military events documented in publications such as *The Illustrated London News* and *The Graphic*. Comparable sketches by Count Gleichen and O. Norie are also noted in related archives.

Read the full account in the museum source.

About the artist

Artist

William S. Perry

A British watercolour artist active in the 1880s, William S. Perry painted scenes from Egypt’s military outposts in vivid, portable washes. His sheets include Outpost duty at El Gubat. Night. (1886) and Outpost duty at…

See the richer artist page