William Alexander
, English, 1767-1816
Title
A Chinese Junk; A Chinese Junk (another version, on verso)Datec.1792-1794
MediumGraphite and watercolour on paper; graphite on verso
Dimensions
20.3 x 18.2 cm
Credit LinePresented, 1872
Object numberNGI.2000
DescriptionThe British artist William Alexander accompanied Lord Macartney's embassy to China as official draughtsman. The Irish portraitist Thomas Hickey (1741-1824) was the official painter on the same trip. The purpose of the diplomatic visit was to facilitate trade with China. Alexander's job was to record the landscape, people and events visually, to supplement written accounts. He made over 2000 sketches, many of which were worked up into finished watercolour compositions that were later engraved. This meticulously observed study depicts a large Chinese trading vessel.