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A Difficult Bit in the Khyber

William R.I. F.R.G.S. Simpson

1878

watercolor

From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum

Impressionism Realism Late 19th Century

Dominant colour

A Difficult Bit in the Khyber is a 1878 watercolor by William R.I. F.R.G.S. Simpson, a Impressionism work, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.

Who painted this?: William R.I. F.R.G.S. Simpson
When & what style?: 1878 · Impressionism
Where can I see it?: Victoria and Albert Museum

About this work

This painting shows a chaotic battle scene in a rugged, rocky landscape. Soldiers on horseback and foot clash near wagons and artillery. Some figures are sprawled on the ground, while others charge forward with rifles and bayonets. The colors are mostly muted grays and browns, with quick, sketchy brushstrokes that make the action feel fast and messy. The artist used loose, watery strokes to capture movement—no smooth lines here. The scene looks rough, almost like a hurried sketch, which fits the idea of a sudden, intense fight. If you like this style, check out Impressionism next.

The story of this work

Overview

A watercolour by William Simpson depicts a scene from the Khyber Pass, illustrating the rugged terrain of the region.

Read the full account in the museum source.

About the artist

Artist

William R.I. F.R.G.S. Simpson

William Simpson drew travel scenes in watercolor and pencil during the 1800s. He sketched A Doorway in Cairo in 1884, showing arched doorways and sunlight on stone. His 1855 Sebastopol: View from the Victoria Redoubt…

See the richer artist page