Two drawings of groups of Chinese figures

Both sketches capture everyday street scenes, focusing on groups of Chinese laborers or merchants. The inclusion of a basket of goods suggests a moment of trade or market activity, offering insight into daily life and social interaction in mid‑19th‑century China.

Chinnery juxtaposes two media: a loose, gestural pencil approach on the first drawing, and a more controlled ink application on the second, where shading defines form and texture. This contrast highlights his ability to render figures quickly while also achieving a degree of detail through ink.

The sheet also bears a reverse sketch of the entrance to the Santa Clara convent in Macau, indicating Chinnery’s broader interest in the region’s architecture. The work is part of the artist’s extensive visual record of China and is held by the Victoria and Albert Museum.