The NMM has recently published online watercolours by nonsense poet Edward Lear, who is remembered best for his work The Owl and the Pussycat.

The drawings capture scenes of ancient ruins and Nile vessels hard at work, which could fit perfectly with views of modern Egypt. It is very tempting to try and imagine that beautiful pea green boat sailing past that might have inspired Lear to write the poem.

I hope you enjoying viewing these wonderful sketches.

PAD9111 - The barren banks of the Nile with three gyassis

If you would like to know more about Lear, Curator of Fine Jenny Gashke has recently published a book about his Egyptian sketches and discussed why he was so inspired by the country in On the line