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Bird's-Eye View of Alexandria from the Sea

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

1882

watercolor

From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum

Impressionism Realism Late 19th Century Cityscape

Dominant colour

Bird's-Eye View of Alexandria from the Sea is a 1882 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?: 1882 · Impressionism
Where can I see it?: Victoria and Albert Museum

About this work

This sketch shows a coastal city from above, with a winding river cutting through buildings. The water is dotted with small boats, and the shore has a mix of dark and light patches—maybe ruins or docks. The sky is pale, and the whole scene looks soft, like it’s drawn quickly. The artist focused on how the city spreads out along the water, not on tiny details. The light is even, with no sharp shadows, which makes the whole thing feel calm and flat. Check out the Victoria and Albert Museum to see this sketch in person.

The story of this work

Overview

A watercolour drawing by William Simpson presents a bird's-eye view of Alexandria as seen from the sea in 1882.

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