Chinese Woman: a pencil portrait

[N.p., Peking, 1790. 1 vols. Image 3-3/8 x 2-5/8 inches. Matted and framed. 1 vols. Image 3-3/8 x 2-5/8 inches. Alexander (1767-1816) was particularly noted for his pencil and watercolor portraits of Chinese people, of which this frontal bust drawing is a fine, typical example. Many of these derive from his lengthy stay in Peking, beginning in 1792; on his return to London he became a professor of art, and was subsequently appointed keeper of drawings and prints at the British Museum.

With the label of the London firm Spink & Company on the back, giving the title as “Portrait of a Chinese Woman” by William Alexander.

Provenance: In direct descent from the artist's family.

A FINE, CHARACTERISTIC PORTRAIT DRAWING.