Artwork
A Chinese woman seated on a mat
A Chinese woman seated on a mat is a drawing by the Romanticist artist George Chinnery. It dates from 12 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This small drawing on paper depicts a woman seated on a mat, executed in ink and pencil.
About this work
George Chinnery sketched this drawing in 1848. It shows a woman sitting on a mat, drawn with ink and pencil. The work is small and quick, like a study rather than a polished picture.
We know it’s a boatwoman thanks to the museum’s note. The artist also jotted a quick head and legs nearby—maybe practice for another piece.
George Chinnery
Overview
This small drawing on paper depicts a woman seated on a mat, executed in ink and pencil. It is the work of George Chinnery, created in 1848.
Subject & Meaning
The subject is identified as a boatwoman, as noted by the museum. The drawing includes additional sketches of a woman's head and a man's legs, possibly studies for other works or exercises in capturing human form.
Technique & Style
The drawing is characterized by its quick and informal execution, suggesting a study or preparatory work rather than a finished piece. Chinnery employed both ink and pencil to capture the figure and surrounding elements.
History & Provenance
The drawing was created by George Chinnery in 1848, a date that situates it within the artist's oeuvre during his time in Asia.
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.
A seated Chinese figure
A figure seated beside a portrait, and other sketches
A Chinese man, and a boatwoman carrying a child
A Chinese boatwoman with a child in a sling on her back
A boatwoman sitting on a beached boat
A boatwoman with child and parasol, and a porter
A boatwoman with a vendor, and a boatwoman with a child