Artwork
Cattle Egrets (Buff-backed Herons) with Egyptian Water-buffalo (Gamoose)
Cattle Egrets (Buff-backed Herons) with Egyptian Water-buffalo (Gamoose) is a watercolor work on paper by the Orientalist artist Charles Whymper. It dates from 1904 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
Cattle Egrets (Buff-backed Herons) with Egyptian Water-buffalo is a serene watercolour by Charles Whymper, executed in 1904. The piece captures a tranquil scene of Egyptian water-buffalo and cattle egrets in a natural setting.
Subject & Meaning
The artwork depicts a brown Egyptian water-buffalo, characterized by curved horns, resting in a grassy field. It is accompanied by several white cattle egrets, distinguished by their long necks and legs. The composition extends into the background with additional buffalo and trees set against a cloudy sky, evoking a sense of peaceful coexistence.
Technique & Style
Whymper employed watercolour to achieve a soft, dreamy effect. Gentle brushstrokes and a muted colour palette contribute to the painting's calm and serene atmosphere.
History & Provenance
The watercolour was owned by Andrew Wyld, who acquired it in October 1973 for £45. The artist, Charles Whymper, is affiliated with the Royal Institute (RI).
Context
Created in 1904, the piece reflects Whymper's observation of natural harmony, possibly influenced by late 19th and early 20th-century wildlife and landscape artistic traditions.
Legacy
While specific impact or widespread recognition of this piece is not detailed, it contributes to the broader body of Charles Whymper's work, accessible through references to the artist (Whymper, Charles RI).
Artist & collection
Artist
Charles Whymper spent years sketching birds in the Nile Delta, often with a sketchbook in one hand and a cigarette in the other.
