Artwork

Houses below the church and college of S. José, Macau

Houses below the church and college of S. José, Macau, by George Chinnery, 19
Houses below the church and college of S. José, Macau, by George Chinnery, 19

Houses below the church and college of S. José, Macau 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 drawing shows a quiet street scene in Macau. Terraced houses sit below a wall. Above the wall, domes of a church rise into the sky.

George Chinnery sketched this in 1852. He traveled widely but often drew Macau’s streets and buildings. This work is part of that long look at the city.

Check out the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Overview

This 1852 drawing by George Chinnery depicts a serene street scene in Macau, capturing the layered topography of the city.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing focuses on terraced houses situated below a wall, with the domes of the Church of S. José rising prominently in the background, highlighting the coexistence of residential and religious spaces.

Technique & Style

Executed as a sketch, the work reflects Chinnery’s observational approach to capturing the urban landscape of Macau, characterized by straightforward representation.

History & Provenance

Created during Chinnery’s extensive travels, this piece is part of a broader body of work dedicated to Macau’s architecture and streets. It is now housed at the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Context

Chinnery’s frequent depiction of Macau reflects the city’s significance as a subject for artists traveling in the region during the 19th century.

Legacy

As part of Chinnery’s oeuvre, the drawing contributes to the visual record of Macau’s 19th-century landscape, offering insights into its historical architecture and layout.

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.