Chinese Observing the British (Lord Macartney's) Embassy
1793
watercolor
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
About the artist
1793
watercolor
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
Chinese Observing the British (Lord Macartney's) Embassy is a 1793 watercolor by William Alexander, a Patna School of Painting work, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.
This painting shows Chinese people watching the British embassy. The artist, William Alexander, was part of this embassy and drew what he saw. He kept a journal and made many drawings during his time in China, which was a new and unfamiliar place for the British. You can learn more about the artist's style and other works by looking up Alexander, William.
William Alexander, serving as a draughtsman, accompanied the British embassy to China from 1792 to 1794, documenting the encounter in watercolour. The work titled *Chinese Observing the British Embassy* reflects the limited European knowledge of China at the time, despite long-standing trade in porcelain. Alexander’s journal and drawings, now held in the British Museum, provide a visual record of the embassy’s visit.
Read the full account in the museum source.
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