Items Similar to Egypt Crisis Battle Scene, Bombardment of Alexandria, Épinal, 1882
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 10
Egypt Crisis Battle Scene, Bombardment of Alexandria, Épinal, 1882
$824.33
£616.06
€690
CA$1,137.20
A$1,245.58
CHF 655.80
MX$14,865.64
NOK 8,357.59
SEK 7,640.10
DKK 5,259.28
About the Item
Egypt Crisis Battle Scene, Bombardment of Alexandria, Épinal, 1882
This dramatic French color lithograph depicts the Bombardment of Alexandria and the ensuing massacre of Europeans during the Egyptian Crisis of 1882, one of the most violent episodes of late-19th-century imperial conflict in the eastern Mediterranean. Issued by Pellerin
Cie of Épinal, the print presents a stark and highly charged visual account of the unrest that followed the British naval bombardment of the city and the collapse of order in Alexandria.
The composition shows chaotic street fighting amid burning buildings, collapsing architecture, and dense clouds of smoke. Armed groups attack European civilians at close range, while bodies lie strewn across the foreground, emphasizing the brutality and suddenness of the violence. Architectural elements evoke Alexandria’s cosmopolitan urban landscape, with arches, mosques, and multi-storey buildings framing the scene. Flames and explosions dominate the background, reinforcing the sense of total destruction and panic.
Unlike many Épinal battle scenes that celebrate military victory, this sheet is notable for its explicit focus on civilian suffering and massacre. The imagery is deliberately confrontational, reflecting contemporary European outrage at the events in Alexandria and serving both as visual reportage and political commentary. The intense hand coloring, especially in the reds of uniforms and fires, heightens the emotional impact and directs the viewer’s attention to the central acts of violence.
Below the image, the extensive original French caption provides a detailed narrative of the events, describing the bombardment by the British fleet, the uprising led by Arabi Pasha, and the widespread killing, looting, and arson that followed in the European quarters of the city. This text is an essential part of the print, anchoring the image in its historical moment and revealing how the crisis was framed for a French audience in the context of imperial politics and international intervention.
Épinal prints addressing contemporary political violence outside Europe are comparatively uncommon, and this example stands out for its unusually graphic subject matter and moral intensity. It is a powerful visual document of the 1882 Egyptian Crisis and the fragility of European colonial presence in North Africa. The print appeals to collectors of colonial history, Middle Eastern and North African history, political imagery, and 19th-century popular prints, as well as to interior designers seeking a bold, provocative historical statement piece.
Condition
Good overall condition. Light age toning to the paper and minor handling wear consistent with age. Original colors remain strong and well preserved. Margins intact, with the printed text fully legible. No major tears, losses, or restorations observed.
Framing tips
Given the intensity of the subject, this print benefits from a restrained presentation. A dark wood or black frame with a wide off-white or light grey mat will provide visual balance and allow the scene to read clearly. Museum or UV-filtering glass is recommended to protect the original coloring. A generous mat adds gravitas and suits both classic and contemporary interiors.
Technique: Color lithograph (Imagerie d’Épinal)
Maker: Pellerin
Cie, Épinal, France, 1882
- Dimensions:Height: 11.62 in (29.5 cm)Width: 15.56 in (39.5 cm)Depth: 0.01 in (0.2 mm)
- Materials and Techniques:Paper,Engraved
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1882
- Condition:Good overall condition. Light age toning to the paper and minor handling wear consistent with age. Original colors remain strong and well preserved. Margins intact, with the printed text fully legible. No major tears, losses, or restorations observed.
- Seller Location:Langweer, NL
- Reference Number:Seller: BG-14176-51stDibs: LU3054347984022
About the Seller
5.0
Recognized Seller
These prestigious sellers are industry leaders and represent the highest echelon for item quality and design.
Platinum Seller
Premium sellers with a 4.7+ rating and 24-hour response times
Established in 2009
1stDibs seller since 2017
2,806 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: 1 hour
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Langweer, Netherlands
- Return Policy
More From This Seller
View AllFierce Crimean War Battle at Kalafat – Ottoman Victory over Russian Forces, 1854
Located in Langweer, NL
Combat de Kalafat au Village de Tzitzati – Crimean War Battle Scene Lithograph, circa 1854
This powerful 19th-century lithograph titled Combat de Kalafat au Village de Tzitzati (Cit...
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century French Prints
Materials
Paper
Tonkin War Battle Scene, Défense de Tuyen-Quan, Épinal Print, 1885
Located in Langweer, NL
Défense de Tuyen-Quan Tonkin 1885 French Colonial Battle Épinal Print
This vivid French color lithograph depicts the heroic defense of Tuyen-Quan during the Tonkin Campaign, fought ...
Category
Antique 1880s French Prints
Materials
Paper
Battle of Puebla, French Intervention in Mexico, Épinal Print, 1863
Located in Langweer, NL
Prise de Puebla Mexico 1863 French Intervention Épinal Battle Print
This dynamic French color lithograph illustrates the capture of Puebla during the French intervention in Mexico, ...
Category
Antique 1860s French Prints
Materials
Paper
Prise de Sontay, an Épinal Print of a French Tonkin War Battle, 1883
Located in Langweer, NL
Prise de Sontay, an Épinal Print of a French Tonkin War Battle, 1883
This vivid and dramatic French popular print depicts the capture of Sontay (Sơn Tây) during the Tonkin Campaign,...
Category
Antique 1880s French Prints
Materials
Paper
Antique Egyptian Cavalry Battle Scene from Maximilian in Bavaria, 1846
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique Egyptian Cavalry Battle Scene from Maximilian in Bavaria, 1846
This dynamic and finely detailed 19th-century Orientalist engraving depicts a charge of irregular Egyptian cav...
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century German Prints
Materials
Paper
A Boxer Rebellion Scene, Siege of the European Legations, Épinal, 1900
Located in Langweer, NL
Siege of the European Legations Peking 1900 Boxer Rebellion Épinal Print
Description
This striking French color lithograph depicts the Siege of the European Legations in Peking (Bei...
Category
Antique Early 1900s French Prints
Materials
Paper
You May Also Like
Battle of Sedyman - Etching - Late 19th century
Located in Roma, IT
Battle of Sedyman is an etching print on paper in the Late 19th century.
Good conditions.
From the suite of "France Pittoresques, including costume of the world.
Category
Late 19th Century Modern Figurative Prints
Materials
Etching
Battle of Trebbia - Lithograph - 19th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Trebbia Battle is an original print on paper realized by an Anonymous artist. titled on the lower center of the image.
In very good conditions.
Sheet dimension: 17 x 22.5 cm
The a...
Category
19th Century Figurative Prints
Materials
Lithograph
The French attack on Porta San Pancrazio by Auguste Raffet - Late 19th century
Located in Roma, IT
The French attack on Porta San Pancrazio is a Lithograph realized by Auguste Raffet in the 1860s.
Belongs to the series "Souvenir d'Italie - Expédition de Rome".
Signed on the plat...
Category
1840s Modern Figurative Prints
Materials
Etching
La Bataille de Palestro - Lithograph by Michele and Leonardo Doyen - 1863 ca.
Located in Roma, IT
La Bataille de Palestro is an artwork realized in 1863 c, by Michele and Leonardo Doyen, Turin.
Lithograph on paper. Signed and titled on plate on the margin. The artwork is part o...
Category
1860s Modern Figurative Prints
Materials
Lithograph
The Conquest of Palermo - Lithograph by Michele and Leonardo Doyen - 1860
Located in Roma, IT
The conquest of Palermo is an artwork realized in 1860 by the artists Michele and Leonardo Doyen .
Lithograph on paper. Signed on plate in the right margin. Printed by Legros and Ma...
Category
1860s Modern Figurative Prints
Materials
Lithograph
The French Attack - Lithograph by Auguste Raffet - Mid 19th century
Located in Roma, IT
The French attack is an artwork realized by Auguste Raffet (1804-1860) in the 1860s.
Belongs to the series "Souvenir d'Italie - Expédition de Rome".
Lithograph, signed and dated by...
Category
Mid-19th Century Modern Figurative Prints
Materials
Lithograph













