Where can I see A Scene in an Historical Play Exhibited on the Chinese Stage?

A Scene in an Historical Play Exhibited on the Chinese Stage is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is A Scene in an Historical Play Exhibited on the Chinese Stage?

A Scene in an Historical Play Exhibited on the Chinese Stage is associated with Romanticism.

Can I buy a print of A Scene in an Historical Play Exhibited on the Chinese Stage?

Museum-quality prints of A Scene in an Historical Play Exhibited on the Chinese Stage are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

A Scene in an Historical Play Exhibited on the Chinese Stage

William Alexander

A Scene in an Historical Play Exhibited on the Chinese Stage is a watercolor drawing by the Romanticist artist William Alexander. It is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription: Inscribed:lower right in brown ink: W Alexander 95--; along left edge, in graphite: Chinese Play
Markings: Marked:Dr. John Percy, London [1817-1889] (Lugt 1504)

About this work

Overview

A Scene in an Historical Play Exhibited on the Chinese Stage is a watercolor drawing created by William Alexander in 1795, held at the National Gallery of Art, Washington.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts a lively Chinese stage scene with actors in colorful costumes holding props, flags, and musical instruments, set against a backdrop of a building and distant landscape, conveying the energy of a historical performance.

Technique & Style

Soft watercolor washes over a graphite underdrawing create a dreamy atmosphere, blending light and shadow, while the detailed rendering of costumes and props suggests a narrative rooted in Chinese history.