This original hand-coloured engraving from the Illustrated London News offers a vivid depiction of British military preparation during the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879. Titled “The Zulu War: Entrenching a Laager”, the scene captures a moment of intensive fortification activity as soldiers dig defensive trenches around a wagon laager—a critical tactic in response to the Zulu threat of swift massed attacks.
The composition is alive with movement and detail: British infantry in red coats labour with pickaxes and spades, creating earthworks under the supervision of officers. Covered wagons form the perimeter, with soldiers and civilians overseeing the operation from elevated positions. A central figure in shirtsleeves, mid-swing with his pickaxe, draws the viewer’s attention to the physical strain and urgency of the task. Riflemen in the foreground ready their arms, suggesting that defence could be needed at any moment.
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Image size: 20 x 12 inches
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Overall dimensions with matting: 27 x 19 inches
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Condition: Very good; the hand-colouring is vibrant and crisp. Central fold as issued, clean and stable. Professionally matted in neutral cream, ready for framing.
An evocative study of British military engineering on campaign, this engraving will appeal to collectors of Victorian war art, military logistics, and Anglo-Zulu War history.
