The Bitter Lakes, Suez Canal
1869
watercolor
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
1869
watercolor
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
The Bitter Lakes, Suez Canal is a 1869 watercolor by William Simpson, a Impressionism work, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.
This sketch shows a quiet water scene with ships and small boats. The big ship in the middle has tall masts and looks like it’s anchored near a lighthouse. Smaller boats float nearby, and the water is calm with a few ripples. The sky is light, with soft clouds and a pale sun. The artist used quick, loose strokes to suggest movement in the water and sky. The colors are muted, focusing on blues and grays to keep the scene feeling peaceful. If you like this style, check out the Victoria and Albert Museum for more works like it.
This watercolour drawing by William Simpson depicts the Bitter Lakes section of the Suez Canal from its northern entrance. Created in 1869, it was reproduced in the *Illustrated London News* in March 1870, following Simpson’s attendance at the canal’s opening ceremonies. The work reflects his earlier visits to the construction site earlier that year, contributing illustrations to the publication. The drawing was later purchased from Appleby Bros. in November 1965.
Read the full account in the museum source.
William Simpson drew what he saw during the Crimean War in the 1850s, including sketches of battles and camps in Crimea and Constantinople.
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