This study of a gyassi on the Nile near Malatieh was taken on Edward Lear’s third journey to Egypt in 1867. The lateen-rigged traditional cargo vessel is portrayed on calm water in the early morning. The atmospheric character of the tranquil scene is enhanced by the use of blue paper for the sketch. The scene appears to be taken from aboard ship while travelling along in the middle of the stream.


Although Lear worked in the tradition of British topographical art, his drawings leave behind its documentary attitude; which recorded landscape and geographical features for the benefit of their antiquarian and natural historical associations and which in turn had been a major appeal in travelling to Egypt. It is mostly the colours in their own right which are intended to trigger poetical sentiment in the beholder and characterize the scene as picturesque.