Orlando Norie (1832-1901) - British Royal Engineers Officers c.1876

Norie was renowned for his depictions of the British military with Queen Victoria comissioning him on various occasions. The artist was famed for his battle scenes and also his detailed portrayals of the various regiments in the British Army, including the officers.
 
The Royal Engineers primary roles were to build fortifications and roads for the Army. From the 1850s onwards these roles advanced with technology and now including helping to build and maintain railway lines, helping with telegraph communications and even using balloons to get aerial views on enemy positions. 
 
This watercolour by Norie shows two Royal Engineers Officers deep in conversation over a map, undoubtedly plotting the corps next tasks based the terrain they were currently in.
 
Medium: watercolour on paper, signed l.r. 'O. Norie', 25 x 21.2 cm, framed.
 
Provenance: The Parker Gallery (2 Albermarle Street, London).
 
Condition report: some time staining and there is a small white patch in the top left hand corner which may have been caused from being under a mount in the past.