Negadeh, 1-45 pm, 17 January 1867

"Negadeh, 1:45 PM, 17 January 1867" is a compelling landscape sketch by the British artist Edward Lear. This piece captures a distinct moment on a January afternoon along the Nile River at Negadeh, in Egypt. Lear's delicate portrayal reflects a balance between serene natural beauty and the tranquil activities of daily life along the riverbank.The artwork is drawn in pencil and accented with light washes that suggest the pale colors of the desert and sky. The composition elegantly arrays the clustered, box-like homes of the village, punctuated by the slender silhouettes of palm trees that sway gently under the clear sky. A closer look reveals gentle ripples on the water's surface, where small boats are tethered gracefully, indicating a harmony of human settlement and the natural environment.In the background, the faint outline of a domed structure adds a hint of historical depth, provoking contemplation of the region's rich cultural tapestry. Above, birds scatter across the sky, lending motion and an element of liveliness to the calm setting. Lear’s annotation of the exact time and date suggests his commitment to capturing the precise ambiance and light of the moment, making this sketch not merely an artistic representation but a temporal window into the past.This piece offers viewers a reflective glimpse into a quiet afternoon in 19th-century Egypt, characterized by Lear's impeccable attention to detail and his sensitivity to the nuances of light and natural form.