Who painted `Sakia or Persian wheel Nubia'?

`Sakia or Persian wheel Nubia' was painted by George de Sausmarez in 1855.

Where can I see `Sakia or Persian wheel Nubia'?

`Sakia or Persian wheel Nubia' is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is `Sakia or Persian wheel Nubia'?

`Sakia or Persian wheel Nubia' is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

`Sakia or Persian wheel Nubia'

George de Sausmarez , 1855

`Sakia or Persian wheel Nubia' 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

This watercolour, part of a collection of forty‑five images on thirty‑five mounts, portrays a sakia—also known as a Persian wheel—situated on the Nile. The scene captures a quiet river landscape with three figures on the bank observing a sailing boat, while distant trees and structures line the curving waterway under a partly clouded sky.

Subject & Meaning

The central focus is the traditional irrigation device, illustrating the integration of agricultural technology within the Nile’s environment. The presence of the three men, dressed in modest local attire, suggests a moment of observation or perhaps supervision of the water‑lifting mechanism, emphasizing everyday life along the river.

Technique & Style

Executed in transparent watercolour on paper, the work employs delicate washes to render the river’s surface and atmospheric sky. The artist balances fine linear detail—such as the rope and figures—with broader tonal areas that convey depth and the tranquil mood of the scene.

History & Provenance

Created during or after a journey along the Nile in 1855, the image was incorporated into an album bound in half‑bound crimson morocco, stamped “EGYPT” on its cover. The album also contains several unmounted sheets, indicating it functioned as a travel sketchbook documenting the region.

Context

The depiction reflects mid‑nineteenth‑century European interest in Egyptian and Nubian landscapes, particularly the engineering feats that supported agriculture along the river. Such visual records contributed to contemporary understandings of the Nile’s geography and its cultural practices.