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View in Guangzhou (Canton), China

Allom

1850

watercolor

From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum

Orientalism Early 19th Century Cityscape

Dominant colour

View in Guangzhou (Canton), China is a 1850 watercolor by Allom, a Orientalism work, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.

Who painted this?: Allom
When & what style?: 1850 · Orientalism
Where can I see it?: Victoria and Albert Museum

About this work

This painting shows a river with boats. Some are small and wooden, carrying people. Others float empty or half-loaded. Flags wave on tall poles—red, blue, and white. Across the water, there’s a big building with many windows and a flat roof. The sky is pale, and the brushstrokes are loose, like quick sketches. The boats look ready for trade or travel. The flags might hint at different places or groups. The artist used soft colors and light strokes to show the scene. Check out the Victoria and Albert Museum to see this painting in person.

The story of this work

Overview

A watercolour depicting a view in Guangzhou (Canton), China, created by Thomas Allom in 1850. The work was produced based on sketches made by two officers, as Allom did not travel to China himself. The painting was intended for inclusion in illustrations for *China* by the Rev. G. N. Wright, though this particular piece was not reproduced as an engraving in the publication.

Read the full account in the museum source.

About the artist

Artist

Allom

Allom is a surname. Notable people with the surname include:Anthony Allom, English cricketer Sir Charles Carrick Allom (1865–1947), British decorator Maurice James Carrick Allom (1906–1995), English cricketer Thomas…

See the richer artist page