rare, large-scale view

A rare large-scale view of Hong Kong Island painted in the first ten years of colonial rule. The charming scene shows both Chinese Junks and European tripple-masted sailing ships at anchor in Victoria harbour, with the rippling hills of Hong Kong Island above the burgeoning town of Victoria.

Many watercolours painted for western export emphasised the trading nature of Hong Kong, hence the emphasis on merchant vessels and company buildings on the waterline including those of Dent & Co. and Lindsay. The absence of St John's Cathedral amongst the urban waterline dates this painting before 1849, only eight years after land grants were first issued to British investors following the cession of Hong Kong to Britain at the Treaty of Nanking. The image is also reminiscent of the 1843 seal of Hong Kong, which shows merchant ships on a quay with the mountains of Hong Kong in the background, and strengthens the idea that this painting represents the quintessential depiction of Hong Kong.

Water colour on paper Hong Kong (visible area 74.8 X 137 cm.), mounted. Overall size: 90 cm x 150 cm.