Artwork
View of East India Company's Factory, Canton
View of East India Company's Factory, Canton is a drawing by the Romanticist artist George Chinnery. It dates from 16 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This drawing depicts the East India Company's factory in Canton, showcasing the surrounding waterways and recent architectural additions.
About this work
Overview
This drawing depicts the East India Company's factory in Canton, showcasing the surrounding waterways and recent architectural additions.
Subject & Meaning
The scene captures the English 'factory' and its environs, including junks and Tanka boats on the Pearl River, as well as a newly constructed roof terrace for English traders.
Technique & Style
The drawing is rendered in a style that suggests it was preparatory work, as evidenced by the penciled grid overlay, indicating its intended use as a guide for a larger-scale painting, likely in watercolor or oil.
History & Provenance
Created by George Chinnery, this drawing is related to other works by the artist, such as E.1775-1928, from a similar vantage point.
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.
