Artwork

Sketches made during the Campaign of 1854-55 in the Crimea, Circassia and Constantinople

Sketches made during the Campaign of 1854-55 in the Crimea, Circassia and Constantinople is a drawing by the Impressionist artist William Simpson. It dates from 12 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

If you like this style, check out the Victoria and Albert Museum for more sketches like it.

This sketch shows a rough, rocky mountain under a pale sky. The paint is loose and watery, with quick strokes that leave some paper visible. A tiny bit of writing at the bottom names the mountain and the date—1889.

The artist worked fast, capturing the shape of the land more than the details. The light is soft, and the colors are mostly gray and white, like a foggy day.

If you like this style, check out the Victoria and Albert Museum for more sketches like it.

Overview

This pencil drawing is one of many sketches documenting the 1854–55 campaign in the Crimea, Circassia, and Constantinople, compiled in a bound volume. It depicts Mount St Peter in Crimea.

Subject & Meaning

The sketch captures the rugged terrain of Mount St Peter, conveying the landscape's overall form rather than precise details. A notation at the bottom identifies the subject and date.

Technique & Style

Executed with loose, rapid strokes, the drawing features a predominantly gray and white palette, evoking a soft, diffused light. The watery application of pencil leaves areas of the paper exposed, contributing to the sketch's spontaneous feel.

History & Provenance

The drawing was created during the Crimean campaign, a period of military conflict. It is part of a collection of sketches bound together, likely compiled by the artist, William Simpson.