Artwork
Bouzareah, Algiers
Bouzareah, Algiers is a watercolor work on paper by the Impressionist artist Peter William Skinner Miles. It dates from 1877 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
Bouzareah, Algiers is a watercolour created by Peter William Skinner Miles in 1877, depicting a serene, sunlit landscape in Algiers.
Subject & Meaning
The subject is a tranquil natural scene featuring a small lake, palm trees, rocky hills, and scrubby vegetation, conveying a sense of calm and stillness through the absence of human presence or activity.
Technique & Style
Characterized by soft, muted colors (light browns, pale blues, faint greens) and an emphasis on simple shapes and light capture, the work suggests a rapid, observational approach, sharing affinities with Impressionist principles.
History & Provenance
Previously sold at Sotheby's on November 8, 1984 (Lot 325), the watercolour's earlier ownership and exhibition history are not detailed in available records.
Context
Created during a period of European artistic interest in North African landscapes, Bouzareah, Algiers reflects the artist's response to the region's unique light and geography.
Legacy
While not widely recognized as a landmark work, it contributes to the broader body of late 19th-century watercolours capturing European perceptions of colonial-era Algiers.
Artist & collection
Artist
Peter Miles carried a tiny wooden paint box across the Mediterranean just to chase the way light hits whitewashed walls.
