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`Quarries "el. Masareh." Whence the Stones for the Pyramids were dug. On the Nile'

George de Sausmarez

1855

watercolor

From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum

Impressionism Orientalism Realism Early 19th Century

Dominant colour

`Quarries "el. Masareh." Whence the Stones for the Pyramids were dug. On the Nile' is a 1855 watercolor by George de Sausmarez, a Impressionism work, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.

Who painted this?: George de Sausmarez
When & what style?: 1855 · Impressionism
Where can I see it?: Victoria and Albert Museum

About this work

This watercolor shows two sailboats on a calm river near a rocky shore. The boats have tall, triangular sails catching the light, and a few people stand on the bank in the distance. The background is soft with a faint outline of trees and buildings along the water’s edge. The title hints this spot was once used to cut stones for pyramids. The artist sketched it quickly, focusing on light and simple shapes rather than fine details. Next, check out the Victoria and Albert Museum to see more works like this.

The story of this work

Overview

The artwork consists of one of forty-five watercolors created on thirty-five mounts, some of which remain unmounted, compiled in an album featuring views of Egypt and Nubia. It was produced during or after a journey along the Nile in 1855, traveling upstream and then downstream. The album is housed in a half-bound crimson morocco music binder with "EGYPT" stamped on the front cover. The specific piece depicts quarries at "el. Masareh," illustrating the source of stones used in pyramid construction along the Nile.

Read the full account in the museum source.