Artwork

A boat-dwelling

A boat-dwelling, by George Chinnery, 4
A boat-dwelling, by George Chinnery, 4

A boat-dwelling is a drawing by the Romanticist artist George Chinnery. It dates from 4 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

This drawing shows a small boat turned into a floating home. George Chinnery sketched it in August 1832 using pencil and paper. The deck is covered with wooden planks and a straw roof.

Look closely at the side of the boat. A gourd tied to a child’s clothes kept them safe if they fell in.

If you like this, check out the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Overview

This drawing by George Chinnery depicts a small boat converted into a dwelling. Created in August 1832 using pencil on paper, it showcases the boat's adapted structure.

Subject & Meaning

The boat's deck is covered with wooden planks and a straw or rattan roof, forming a floating home. A gourd attached to a child's clothing serves as a safety measure against drowning.

Technique & Style

The drawing is executed in pencil on paper, with additional sketches of boats on the reverse side.

Artist & collection

Portrait of George Chinnery

Artist

George Chinnery

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.