Artwork
Cyprus Military Police
Cyprus Military Police is a watercolor work on paper by the Impressionist artist Lt. Col. Gilmore. It dates from 1880 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
This watercolor shows a man in a bright red jacket and dark pants, holding a rolled-up paper in one hand and a stick in the other.
This watercolor shows a man in a bright red jacket and dark pants, holding a rolled-up paper in one hand and a stick in the other. His uniform has blue trim, and he’s wearing a red cap with a white band. The paper he’s holding has handwritten words, including “Cyprus Military Police” at the bottom.
The uniform looks like it might be for a guard or officer, and the note suggests a greeting or order from 1881. The style is loose and sketchy, focusing more on the person’s pose and clothes than fine details.
If you like this style, check out the Victoria and Albert Museum for more works like it.
Overview
Created in 1880 by Lieutenant Colonel Gilmore, this watercolour depicts a member of the Cyprus Military Police. Rendered in a loose, sketch‑like manner, the image focuses on the figure’s posture and uniform rather than intricate detail, offering a concise visual record of a colonial police officer’s attire.
Subject & Meaning
The central figure wears a vivid red jacket trimmed in blue, dark trousers, and a red cap edged with a white band. He holds a rolled document bearing the inscription “Cyprus Military Police” and a staff, suggesting a formal duty or greeting, possibly linked to an 1881 order or communication.
Technique & Style
Executed in watercolor, the work employs broad washes and minimal line work, emphasizing color blocks over fine rendering. The artist’s economical brushstroke captures the uniform’s contrast—bright red against muted tones—while the sketchy approach conveys immediacy, typical of field sketches intended for quick documentation.
History & Provenance
The drawing entered the collection of Alister Mathews, who purchased it for £36, as recorded by researcher Rodney Searight. Its provenance traces back to the original creator, Lt. Col. Gilmore, and reflects the practice of British officers documenting colonial institutions during the late nineteenth century.
Artist & collection
Artist
This British officer turned his hand to watercolours while stationed in Cyprus, showing daily life under colonial rule.
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