Artwork

A Chinese boatwoman with a child in a sling on her back

A Chinese boatwoman with a child in a sling on her back, by George Chinnery, 15
A Chinese boatwoman with a child in a sling on her back, by George Chinnery, 15

A Chinese boatwoman with a child in a sling on her back is a drawing by the Romanticist artist George Chinnery. It dates from 15 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This drawing depicts a daily life scene of a Chinese boatwoman from Macau, standing with a child secured in a sling on her back.

About this work

Overview

This drawing depicts a daily life scene of a Chinese boatwoman from Macau, standing with a child secured in a sling on her back.

Subject & Meaning

The subject highlights an ordinary yet intimate moment in the life of a Macau boatwoman, offering a glimpse into the region's everyday activities during the depicted era.

Technique & Style

The dynamic pose, with the boatwoman's head inclined forward and the child leaning back, conveys a sense of gentle movement, characteristic of the expressive qualities associated with Romanticism.

Context

Created within the Romanticism movement, the drawing's emphasis on capturing a poignant, everyday moment aligns with the era's artistic values.

Legacy

While specific impact details are not provided, the work contributes to the visual record of Macau's daily life and the broader representation of ordinary subjects in Romantic-era art.

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.