The Emperor of Austria ascending the Great Pyramid
1869
watercolor
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
1869
watercolor
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
William Simpson painted watercolour scenes of the Emperor of Austria on the Great Pyramid in 1869. It shows Franz Joseph being hauled up by two Arab guides like any tourist. Simpson had a sharp eye for odd moments like this. He once wrote that he saw the emperor “lugged” up like “an overland passenger.” Simpson himself had been in Egypt for the Suez Canal opening. The new canal cut travel time to India. Look up the artist Simpson, William.
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