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Outpost duty at El Gubat, Morning

William S. Perry

1886

watercolor

From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum

Impressionism Realism Late 19th Century Marine

Dominant colour

Outpost duty at El Gubat, Morning is a 1886 watercolor by William S. Perry, a Impressionism work, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.

Who painted this?: William S. Perry
When & what style?: 1886 · Impressionism
Where can I see it?: Victoria and Albert Museum

About this work

This watercolor shows a soldier standing in a dry, grassy area. He’s wearing a pith helmet, a long coat, and a belt with a rifle and ammunition. Behind him, a tall wooden watchtower rises, and a few other soldiers are visible in the distance. The scene looks hot and dusty, with palm trees and a faint body of water far off. The artist’s loose brushstrokes capture the light and shadows quickly, giving the scene a rough, sketchy feel. This style was common in military sketches from the time. Next, check out the Victoria and Albert Museum to see more works like this.

The story of this work

Overview

This watercolour depicts a scene from the British campaign in Egypt in 1882 or the Nile Expedition of 1884–85, showing soldiers on guard duty at an outpost near El Gubat. The work is part of a series of 27 scenes documenting military operations from that period. Comparable illustrations appeared in contemporary publications such as *The Illustrated London News* and *The Graphic*. Similar sketches by other artists, including Count Gleichen and O. Norie, are also referenced in related records.

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