Entrance to the Khyber Pass. Jamrood

1878
In the fall of 1878, The Illustrated London News dispatched the Scottish artist William Simpson (1823–99) to Afghanistan in anticipation of a conflict between Britain and Afghan tribal leaders. The British were concerned about growing Russian influence in the region and a possible Russian threat to British India. Fighting broke out in November 1878, precipitating what became known as the Second Afghan War (1878–80). Simpson documented the conflict, but he was also interested in people he encountered and places he visited, especially ancient Buddhist ruins, several of which he excavated. This watercolor landscape, dated November 20, 1878, shows the entrance to the Khyber Pass, the strategic link between British India and Afghanistan. The painting is from the Anne S.K. Brown Military Collection at the Brown University Library.

Add to Lightbox Download

Filename: 9646.jpg
Copyright: acku Afghanistan
Image Size: 1800x1103 / 577.7KB; 1878 Afghanistan Pakistan Khyber Pass Camps Mountain Passes Mountains Tents Watercolors Photo WDL 010604
Contained in galleries: AFGHANISTAN

1878<br />
In the fall of 1878, The Illustrated London News dispatched the Scottish artist William Simpson (1823–99) to Afghanistan in anticipation of a conflict between Britain and Afghan tribal leaders. The British were concerned about growing Russian influence in the region and a possible Russian threat to British India. Fighting broke out in November 1878, precipitating what became known as the Second Afghan War (1878–80). Simpson documented the conflict, but he was also interested in people he encountered and places he visited, especially ancient Buddhist ruins, several of which he excavated. This watercolor landscape, dated November 20, 1878, shows the entrance to the Khyber Pass, the strategic link between British India and Afghanistan. The painting is from the Anne S.K. Brown Military Collection at the Brown University Library.