Standing on the Thames Embankment, close to the underground station, Cleopatra's Needle dates to 1460 BC, and was built for Pharaoh Thotmes III. One of three, it was initially displayed near the city of Heliopolis until moved by the Romans in 12 BC to the Royal City of Cleopatra, Alexandria. It was through this city that the Needle acquired its name.

Brought to London to commemorate the victory over Napoleon, the Needle arrived after a disastrous sea journey, in 1878. In order to transport the artefact, a cigar-shaped ship named the Cleopatra - 93 feet long, and 15 feet wide -, was built by the Dixon Brothers, and towed by the Olga, a steam tug-boat. The initial leg of the journey was unremarkable, but unfortunately on 14 October 1877, a storm in the Bay of Biscay significantly damaged the ship. The Olga sent six volunteers to rescue the Cleopatra's crew, who tragically drowned in the attempt. To this day, their names are commemorated on a plaque on the base of the Needle. The crew were eventually rescued, and the Cleopatra cast adrift from the tug. Followed by the National Press, speculation as to whether the Cleopatra had sunk dominated the papers, until after 5 days she was found off the Northern coast of Spain. Brought to the closest port, Ferrol, the final leg of her journey was successfully completed, and, aided by the steamship Anglia, she was towed up the Thames, accompanied by the sound of cheering crowds, and erected in September 1878.

The signature and style dates the painting to when Gunn was in London from 1913-4, for a short period after his time at the Académie Julian, and before going to Spain.