Artwork
`Temple of Dendoor. "On the Nile." By Moonlight. "Nubia"

`Temple of Dendoor. "On the Nile." By Moonlight. "Nubia" is a watercolor work on paper by the Impressionist artist George de Sausmarez. It dates from 1855 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
This watercolour, part of a collection of forty‑five images on thirty‑five mounts, depicts a nocturnal view of the Temple of Dendoor on the Nile. Rendered in muted blues, greys and pale yellows, the composition shows a solitary sail‑boat drifting across dark water toward a ruined structure perched on a hillside, with distant mountains softened by moonlight.
Subject & Meaning
The scene is titled “On the Nile” and identified as “Nubia,” situating the temple within the historic region along the river’s southern reaches. The tranquil atmosphere, emphasized by the quiet water and faint illumination, conveys a sense of stillness and contemplation, inviting viewers to imagine the ancient site bathed in the gentle glow of night.
Technique & Style
Executed with loose, sketch‑like brushstrokes, the artist prioritises the effects of light and atmosphere over precise architectural detail. The watercolour’s soft palette and fluid handling create a dream‑like quality, echoing later Impressionist concerns with fleeting moments and the play of illumination on landscape.
History & Provenance
The work originates from an album assembled during or shortly after a 1855 journey along the Nile. The album is bound in half‑bound crimson morocco leather, stamped “EGYPT” on its cover, and contains several unmounted sheets alongside the mounted pieces, indicating it was compiled as a travel record of Egyptian and Nubian vistas.
Artist & collection
Artist
George de Sausmarez painted watercolors of Egypt’s Nile in the 1850s, recording river scenes and landmarks with quick, transparent washes.











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