Artwork
A barber and customer, and other figure sketches
A barber and customer, and other figure sketches is a drawing by the Romanticist artist George Chinnery. It dates from 14 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. A mixed-media drawing created in 1849, featuring a barber and his client, along with surrounding figures.
About this work
This drawing shows a barber cutting a customer’s hair. It’s done in ink and pencil. You can see the barber’s hands on the man’s head, plus quick sketches of women and men nearby.
The artist made this in 1849, in Macau. It’s part of the Romanticism movement, though it feels like a slice-of-life moment.
If you like this, look up the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Overview
A mixed-media drawing created in 1849, featuring a barber and his client, along with surrounding figures.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing depicts an everyday scene: a barber tending to a seated customer, with the artist's attention focused on the barber's hands. Additional sketches of local figures, including Macanese women and Chinese men, are also present.
Technique & Style
Executed in both ink and pencil, the drawing combines detailed renderings with quick, gestural sketches. Its style reflects the Romanticism movement, capturing a candid moment in time.
History & Provenance
Created in Macau in 1849, this drawing is a product of the artist's observations during that period.
Artist & collection
Artist
George Chinnery (Chinese: 錢納利; 5 January 1774 – 30 May 1852) was an English painter who spent most of his life in Asia, especially India and southern China.
