Who painted The Barrier, Macao, from Crysilia's Bay?

The Barrier, Macao, from Crysilia's Bay was painted by George Chinnery in 19.

Where can I see The Barrier, Macao, from Crysilia's Bay?

The Barrier, Macao, from Crysilia's Bay is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is The Barrier, Macao, from Crysilia's Bay?

The Barrier, Macao, from Crysilia's Bay is associated with Romanticism.

Can I buy a print of The Barrier, Macao, from Crysilia's Bay?

Museum-quality prints of The Barrier, Macao, from Crysilia's Bay are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

The Barrier, Macao, from Crysilia's Bay

George Chinnery , 19

The Barrier, Macao, from Crysilia's Bay 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. The drawing presents a coastal perspective of Cacilhas Bay, situated on the eastern flank of the Macau peninsula.

About this work

Overview

The drawing presents a coastal perspective of Cacilhas Bay, situated on the eastern flank of the Macau peninsula. The scene looks northwest, framing the narrow isthmus that historically linked Macau to the mainland, marked by a long, gated wall that runs across the land.

Subject & Meaning

In the foreground, a fisherman's net lies on the sand, intersected by a solitary skate. The composition captures everyday maritime activity while subtly referencing the bay’s historical significance as the site of the Dutch assault on Macau in June 1622, an event that ended in Portuguese defense.

Technique & Style

Executed as a drawing, the work relies on line work and shading to delineate the rocky outcrops, the wall, and the water’s edge. The artist emphasizes contrast between the solid, man‑made barrier and the natural shoreline, using a restrained palette typical of early‑modern topographic sketches.

History & Provenance

The image records a specific moment in Macau’s urban landscape, documenting the fortified isthmus that once separated the colony from the Chinese mainland. Its creation date is not specified, but the subject matter aligns with 17th‑century cartographic and documentary practices that recorded strategic locations.

Context

Cacilhas Bay’s geography made it a focal point during the 1622 Dutch attack, when the Dutch fleet attempted to seize the Portuguese settlement. The gated wall depicted in the drawing served as a defensive structure, illustrating the strategic importance of controlling access between the peninsula and the mainland.

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Artist & collection

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.