Lasting impressions

William Alexander (1767-1816) accompanied Lord Macartney's embassy to visit the Chinese Emperor in Beijing from 1792 to 1794. From numerous sketches he made during his stay, he painted watercolor scenes when he returned to England.

In the painting above, Chinese peasants populate the scene, going about their business while guards are visible on the towering, thick walls. Below, a junk passes under the bridge in a procession of trading boats. Until the 1950s, when the bridge and the walls were demolished, this busy gate was the main western gate of Beijing. The bridge in the foreground still stands.

Alexander became the first Keeper of Prints and Drawings at the British Museum in 1808, not through any great knowledge and connoisseurship of prints or drawings but due to his skills as a draughtsman.

The trustees wanted engravings of the Townley Collection of classical sculptures, and the first Print Room was in the Townley Wing. Alexander was said to have been charming and friendly with those who visited the collection.

Date: On display

Venue: The British Museum

Website: http://www.britishmuseum.org