Edward Lear, (British, 1812-1888)

Boats on the Nile

Boats on the Nile
signed with monogram (lower left); stamped with the collector stamp of Earl Spencer (lower right)
watercolour
9.7 x 20cm (3 13/16 x 7 7/8in).

Provenance
Edward John Spencer, 8th Earl Spencer Collection, UK (Frits Lugt L.2341a).
Max Harari Collection, UK (acquired from the above).
Thence by descent.

The present lot depicts three gyassis- traditional cargo vessels- two of which are laden with straw; it closely relates to another watercolour, dated 30 December 1853, in the collection of The National Maritime Museum (PAD9111).