'Temple Official', pencil and watercolour on paper by Robert Taylor Pritchett (1882). This is the artist's portrait of a financial official in a Cantonese temple in Guangzhou, China in the latter half of the 19th century. His garment is typical of that of a senior civil servant of the Chinese government. Clothes were designed to indicate rank and status, becoming so distinct that the wearer’s position could be ascertained at a glance. During his second career as an artist, Pritchett traveled widely in the Pacific region in the 1880s. This artwork has been professionally restored and cleaned to preserve it for decades to come and therefore in good overall condition. It has also been newly framed and glazed. The artist has written 'The Treasurer & Temple' and '5 Geni Temple, Canton Jan. 22 1882' on the lower left and right hands of the artwork. Upon request a video of the work may be provided.
About the Artist: Robert Taylor Pritchett (1823 - 1907), a gun maker and artist, was the son of Richard Ellis...
Category
1880s Max Beerbohm Art
MaterialsPaper, Watercolor, Pencil