Artwork
Heliopolis, - As it is
Heliopolis, - As it is is a watercolor work on paper by the British Romanticist artist William Simpson. It dates from 1878 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Heliopolis, As it is, is a watercolour painting by William Simpson. It's from 1878.
The painting shows British tourists riding donkeys past an ancient obelisk. They're galloping, despite requests to spare the donkeys. This behaviour was observed by Simpson, who often recorded the actions of people around him.
To learn more about the style of this painting, look into the movement: Realism.
Overview
Heliopolis, As it is, is a watercolour painting created by William Simpson in 1878. It depicts a scene of British tourists on donkeys near an ancient obelisk.
Subject & Meaning
The painting shows tourists riding donkeys at a gallop, disregarding local requests to spare the animals. This behaviour is set against the backdrop of the Obelisk of Senusert at Al-Matariyyah, highlighting the contrast between the tourists' actions and their ostensible interest in the antiquities.
Technique & Style
The work is characteristic of Realism, a style that focuses on accurate and unromanticized representation. Simpson's skill as a watercolour painter and lithographer is evident in the painting's execution.
History & Provenance
William Simpson was a prolific artist who worked as a 'Special Artist' for the Illustrated London News, illustrating significant events of the British Empire. His experience as a war correspondent and illustrator influenced his work, including this painting.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Egypt and Nubia, Volume II: Obelisk of Heliopolis
Cleopatra's Needle, Alexandria, Egypt
Great Temple. Karnac. Thebes
Vue de Obélisque dite de Cléopatre à Alexandrie
Cleopatras Needle as it now Stands on the Site of the Old Town at Alexandria in Egypt
An Ancient Obelisk At Matarea, Formerly Heliopolis
`Propyla of Great Temple. Luxor, Thebaid'
`Dabode Nubia '