Artwork

Home, Down the Nile June 1885.

Home, Down the Nile June 1885., by William S. Perry, watercolor, 1885
Home, Down the Nile June 1885., by William S. Perry, watercolor, 1885

Home, Down the Nile June 1885. is a watercolor work on paper by the Impressionist artist William S. Perry. It dates from 1885 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. Home, Down the Nile June 1885 is a watercolour by William S.

About this work

Notice the mix of relaxed poses—some people are talking, others are just resting.

This sketch shows a group of people on a sandy riverbank. Some are sitting, others are standing or wading in shallow water. A few boats float nearby, and the background has hills and a few trees. The drawing is loose and sketchy, with quick lines and soft shading.

Notice the mix of relaxed poses—some people are talking, others are just resting. The title says it’s from a trip down the Nile in 1885.

Check out the Victoria and Albert Museum to see more works like this.

Overview

Home, Down the Nile June 1885 is a watercolour by William S. Perry, created during the Nile Expedition of 1884–85. It is one of 27 works documenting the British Campaign in Egypt.

Subject & Meaning

The watercolour depicts a serene scene of people resting and interacting on a sandy Nile riverbank, with boats, hills, and trees in the background. The relaxed poses and everyday activities suggest a moment of respite amidst the military campaign.

Technique & Style

Perry's sketch is characterized by loose, quick lines and soft shading, reflecting a spontaneous, observational approach. The style aligns with contemporary military and travel illustrations found in period journals.

History & Provenance

Part of a series documenting the 1884–85 Nile Expedition, this work is comparable to sketches by other artists of the time, such as Count Gleichen and O. Norie, who also captured the region during the campaign.

Context

The piece is situated within the tradition of illustrated journalism, echoing the visual language of publications like *The Illustrated London News* and *The Graphic*, which featured similar scenes of military expeditions and travel.

Artist & collection

Artist

William S. Perry

A British watercolour artist active in the 1880s, William S. Perry painted scenes from Egypt’s military outposts in vivid, portable washes. His sheets include Outpost duty at El Gubat. Night. (1886) and Outpost duty at…