Artwork
Portrait of a Mandarin
Portrait of a Mandarin is an oil painting by the Orientalist artist George Chinnery. It dates from 1823 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Ireland.
About this work
Overview
The Portrait of a Mandarin is an oil painting created by George Chinnery around 1823. It is a portrait genre piece held in the National Gallery of Ireland.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts a seated man dressed in traditional attire, including a black robe and a blue and white vest, adorned with a long necklace. He sits on a red bench, holding a white cloth, in a dimly lit interior with a window and red lanterns.
Technique & Style
The work exemplifies the Orientalist movement, characterized by Western artists' representations of Eastern subjects. Chinnery's use of oil paint captures the intricate details of the subject's clothing and surroundings.
History & Provenance
George Chinnery, an English painter with a significant presence in Asia, executed this portrait. The painting is now part of the National Gallery of Ireland's collection.
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.
