This original hand-coloured engraving from the Illustrated London News presents the formal conclusion of the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879. Titled “The End of the Zulu War: Surrender of Native Chiefs to Sir G. Wolseley”, the scene records a pivotal moment of political theatre, as senior Zulu leaders appear before British command to offer their submission following the collapse of King Cetshwayo’s forces.
The image is structured with powerful symmetry: dozens of seated Zulu chiefs, each bearing the isicoco headring of status, face a semi-circle of British officials and officers, among them Sir Garnet Wolseley, General Colley, and Mr. Shepstone. The setting is a British field camp, with tents, artillery, and the Union Jack prominently featured, reinforcing the authority and finality of imperial victory. The engraving includes printed identifications of key Zulu and British participants along the lower margin, underscoring its role as both reportage and record.
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Image size: 20 x 12 inches
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Overall dimensions with matting: 27 x 19.5 inches
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Condition: Very good; vibrant original hand-colouring and strong linework. Issued fold lightly visible but unobtrusive. Professionally matted in cream, ready for framing.
A historically resonant and visually balanced conclusion to the Illustrated London News' coverage of the Anglo-Zulu War, this piece is ideal for collectors of colonial military art, Victorian journalism, or Zulu War material.
