Artwork

Houses of Mr. Whiteman ("the forty-pillared house") and Captain Elliott, and Monte Fort, Macao

Houses of Mr. Whiteman ("the forty-pillared house") and Captain Elliott, and Monte Fort, Macao is a drawing by the Romanticist artist Unknown. It dates from 1 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This drawing depicts a scenic view of Macau, focusing on two prominent residences: the "forty-pillared house" of Mr.

About this work

Overview

This drawing depicts a scenic view of Macau, focusing on two prominent residences: the "forty-pillared house" of Mr. Whiteman and the house of Captain Elliott, set against the backdrop of Monte Fort.

Subject & Meaning

The subject highlights the European presence in Macau, showcasing the homes of a merchant (Mr. Whiteman) and a potentially military or naval figure (Captain Elliott), alongside a key fortification (Monte Fort), reflecting the blend of commercial and strategic interests in the region.

Technique & Style

Executed in a style reminiscent of George Chinnery, a influential artist of the time, the drawing likely employs techniques such as cross-hatching to achieve depth and texture, characteristic of Chinnery's manner that Harriet Daniell and other Western residents of Macau emulated.

History & Provenance

Created by Harriet Daniell, wife of British merchant James Anthony Daniell, this drawing is part of a set (including E.1833-1928, E.1834-1928, and E.1835-1928) reflecting her hobby of sketching in the Chinnery style, common among Macau's Western community at the time.