Who painted Port of Berberah. Coast of Africa near the Red Sea?

Port of Berberah. Coast of Africa near the Red Sea was painted by Robert Moresby in 1832.

Where can I see Port of Berberah. Coast of Africa near the Red Sea?

Port of Berberah. Coast of Africa near the Red Sea is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is Port of Berberah. Coast of Africa near the Red Sea?

Port of Berberah. Coast of Africa near the Red Sea is associated with Orientalism.

Artwork

Port of Berberah. Coast of Africa near the Red Sea

Robert Moresby , 1832

Port of Berberah. Coast of Africa near the Red Sea is a watercolor work on paper by the Orientalist artist Robert Moresby. It dates from 1832 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This watercolor, titled *Port of Berberah.

About this work

Overview

This watercolor, titled *Port of Berberah. Coast of Africa near the Red Sea*, was produced by Captain Robert Moresby during his Red Sea survey between 1829 and 1834. It depicts a tranquil shoreline with a solitary figure, sparse vegetation, a few boats and distant mountains under a muted sky.

Subject & Meaning

The composition presents a quiet beach scene, emphasizing the isolation of the lone individual standing at the water’s edge. The sparse vegetation and empty horizon convey a sense of desolation, while the calm sea and distant vessels hint at the locale’s role as a modest harbor.

Technique & Style

Executed in watercolor, the work employs delicate washes to render the pale sky and reflective water. Moresby’s handling of foliage and sand relies on restrained brushwork, allowing the muted palette to evoke the arid coastal environment without elaborate detail.

History & Provenance

The drawing belongs to a series of six watercolors created by Moresby during his early 19th‑century survey; five of the companion pieces are held by the National Maritime Museum. In July 1970 the work was auctioned at Sotheby’s, fetching £15.

Context

Moresby’s survey of the Red Sea was part of a broader British effort to chart strategic maritime routes in the early 1800s. The watercolor serves both as a visual record of the Berberah coastline and as a practical illustration for navigational purposes.