Artwork
Ruinous buildings, Macau, with distant views of the façade of S. Paulo, Monte Fort and S. Domingos Church
Ruinous buildings, Macau, with distant views of the façade of S. Paulo, Monte Fort and S. Domingos Church 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
Overview
The drawing presents a panoramic view of Macau’s historic skyline, observed from an elevated position on the south‑west side of the peninsula. From this perspective the artist captures three of the city’s most recognizable structures, arranging them across the composition to convey a sense of spatial depth and urban character.
Subject & Meaning
Central to the image are the ruined façade of the Church of São Paulo, the fortified Monte Fort flying a Portuguese flag, and the modest Church of São Domingos nestled at the hill’s base. The inclusion of the burnt remnants of São Paulo, later largely destroyed in 1835, underscores the passage of time and the layered history of the colony.
Technique & Style
Rendered in fine pen work, the drawing reflects a Romantic sensibility, emphasizing atmospheric perspective and the emotive qualities of the landscape. The artist’s careful line treatment conveys texture in the crumbling stone and the gentle rise of the surrounding terrain, while the composition balances architectural detail with a tranquil, almost contemplative mood.
History & Provenance
A related water‑colour version of the same composition, distinguished by a prominent goat positioned on the left, is listed in the Martyn Gregory Gallery catalogue (London, 2020, no. 38). This variant indicates the artist’s willingness to experiment with narrative elements while preserving the core architectural view.
Context
The drawing situates Macau’s built environment within its colonial context, highlighting the Portuguese military presence at Monte Fort and the religious architecture that defined the city’s visual identity. By portraying these landmarks together, the work offers a snapshot of the urban fabric as it appeared before the extensive 19th‑century alterations.
Own this work as a print
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.
The church of S. Francisco, Macau
A view past the Misericordia Church towards Fort Monte, Macau
A gateway with a domed turret, Macau
A small building on a rocky hillside, Macau
A street in Macau
The wall below the church of S. Francisco, Macau
Monte Fort, Macau
Franciscan Church, Macao
A stream with a blacksmith beyond, and a distant view of the church of S. Antonio, Macau