Artwork
College of San José from the adjacent boat-village, Macao
College of San José from the adjacent boat-village, Macao is a drawing by the Romanticist artist George Chinnery. It dates from 19 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
This is a drawing by George Chinnery from 1825 to 1852. It shows Macau’s Inner Harbour with floating Tanka boats and homes. The church and San José College sit on the hill above.
Chinnery made two versions of this view. One is on the front, the other on the back of the sheet.
Check out more work by George Chinnery next.
Overview
This drawing depicts a scene from Macau's Inner Harbour, capturing both the maritime activity below and the colonial architecture above, specifically the church and College of San José on a hill.
Subject & Meaning
The subject is a juxtaposition of traditional Tanka boat-dwellings and the imposing European-style college and church, reflecting the cultural coexistence in 19th-century Macau.
Technique & Style
Executed by George Chinnery between 1825 and 1852, the work showcases his observational skill through two contrasting views of the same scene, one on each side of the sheet.
History & Provenance
Created during Chinnery's active period in the region, this drawing is part of his oeuvre capturing Macau's landscape and life, with two versions provided on a single sheet for comparative effect.
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.
Waterside houses below Penha Hill, Macau
The village below the College of San José, Macau
Part of the Praya Manduco and Penha Hill, Macao
Part of the Praya Manduco, Macao
Tanka boats in the Praya Grande, Macau
The bay, Macau, with the church and fort of S. Francisco
Macau with the church of S. Lourenço
Houses below the church and college of S. José, Macau
The church of S. Francisco, Macau
Part of the Great Joss House, Inner Harbour, Macao
The A-Ma Temple, Macau