Godfrey Douglas Giles (1857-1941) - Royal British Engineers Lithograph c.1888

This fascinating view of the British Royal Engineers c.1888 was originally drawn by Godfrey Douglas Giles. The artist himself served in the British Army in Egypt, Afghanistan, India and South Africa. He painted various military scenes and this one was published by JS Virtue & Company for the book 'Her Majesty's Army' by Walter Richards (it was released in 6 volumes between 1888-1890). 
 
The Royal Engineers appear to be ready to dig a possible fortification and the arid surroundings suggest this depiction is from a hot climate, possibly one of the countries Giles had served the Army in.
 
Medium: coloured chromolithograph on paper, signed l.r. in the plate 'G.D. Giles 88', under the mount the plate measures 24.8 x 16.3 cm, framed.
 
Provenance: most likely from the Parker Gallery (2 Albermarle Street, London).