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Barges of Lord Macartney's Embassy to China on the Grand Canal

William Alexander

1794

watercolor

From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum

Romanticism 18th Century

Dominant colour

Barges of Lord Macartney's Embassy to China on the Grand Canal is a 1794 watercolor by William Alexander, a Romanticism work, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.

Who painted this?: William Alexander
When & what style?: 1794 · Romanticism
Where can I see it?: Victoria and Albert Museum

About this work

This painting shows a busy river packed with boats. Big ships sit in the water near a fancy building with curved roofs. Smaller boats carry people, and a few stand on the shore. The sky is light, and the colors are soft. The boats look like they’re part of a big trip. The artist painted this while traveling with a group sent to China. Look up William Alexander next to see how he turned real trips into art.

The story of this work

Overview

A watercolour by William Alexander from 1794 shows vessels of the Macartney Mission traveling along the Grand Canal during its diplomatic voyage to China.

Read the full account in the museum source.