Who painted `Gibel-el-dab'?

`Gibel-el-dab' was painted by George de Sausmarez in 1855.

Where can I see `Gibel-el-dab'?

`Gibel-el-dab' is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is `Gibel-el-dab'?

`Gibel-el-dab' is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

`Gibel-el-dab'

George de Sausmarez , 1855

`Gibel-el-dab' is a watercolor work on paper by the Impressionist artist George de Sausmarez. It dates from 1855 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

George de Sausmarez’s watercolour titled *Gibel‑el‑dab* is part of a larger album comprising forty‑five Egyptian and Nubian views. The album, assembled during or shortly after an 1855 Nile expedition, contains thirty‑five mounted sheets, with several additional watercolours left unmounted. The collection is bound in a half‑size crimson morocco music case bearing an “EGYPT” stamp on its cover.

Subject & Meaning

The scene depicts a tranquil stretch of the Nile where a small sailboat rests near the bank, while another vessel drifts farther downstream. Trees and modest structures line the riverbank, providing a sense of place and suggesting everyday river life. The composition conveys a calm, observational mood rather than a narrative episode.

Technique & Style

Executed in watercolour, the work employs a muted palette and delicate brushwork that render soft transitions of light on the water’s surface. Subtle tonal variations suggest atmospheric depth, while fine detailing in the foliage and architecture demonstrates the artist’s careful observation. The overall effect is one of quiet realism, emphasizing the gentle play of light and shadow.

History & Provenance

The album was compiled following de Sausmarez’s 1855 journey along both the upper and lower reaches of the Nile. It remains housed in its original half‑bound crimson morocco binder, which bears an “EGYPT” stamp, indicating its intended association with the region. The collection’s preservation in this format reflects 19th‑century practices of documenting travel through bound visual records.