BOOK REVIEWS
217
of Dr. Colledge in his Opthalmic Infirmary with his Chinese assistant, which was engraved and published in London 25 November 1834. Harriet Low continues "The pictures" (not picture) "were unfortunately all too late for the Exhibition". To attempt to substitute the double portrait in the place of two separate portraits seen is unethical.
1
As art experts the authors are careless. The medium in plate not given is watercolor and the "Chinese Military" scene was "later" engraved not "lithographed". It is also poor geography to say that Lord Macartney's Embassy entered the Yangtse, when it was the Peiho River. In the Introduction, they produce two alibis: “Paintings illustrated in the sequence and not otherwise designated are attributed to him" [Chinnery], “except for portraits of Hong Merchants which are referred to in general terms” and "Events are necessarily telescoped without rigid regard for precise chronology". What a multitude of sins one can try to cover up with statements like these.
Is it really necessary to include Richard Henry Dana's "Two Years Before the Mast"? The voyage was along the California coast not to the Far East. Bryant & Sturgis, the owners, were of Boston as stated, but never had an office in Canton. Their China Trade business in Canton was handled by J. P. Sturgis & Co.
There are illustrated 20 paintings by Lt. J. S. Rundle, R. N. of Opium War scenes, also a pen and ink sketch. The medium is not given. All midshipmen in European Navies in the 19th century were taught to sketch and paint watercolors, so presumably these are in watercolor. The authors surmise that Chinnery met Rundle and "probably saw some of the action paintings actually illustrated in this work", but offer no factual proof that any meeting took place. No mention is made of W. A. Knell, the marine artist, whose work, of course, is much better known.
In fact, the authors give a very warped view of China Coast painting. No mention of Webber nor Huggins, nor Borget. The Daniells not to be confused with the Daniells of later date are mentioned, but the one Daniell illustration shown is Indian, inappropriate to a book on China Coast Paintings. Chinnery had European pupils - five at least but apparently they are unknown to the authors.
BOOK REVIEWS
217
of Dr. Colledge in his Opthalmic Infirmary with his Chinese assistant, which was engraved and published in London 25 Novem- ber 1834. Harriet Low continues "The pictures" (not picture) "were unfortunately all too late for the Exhibition". To attempt to substitute the double portrait in the place of two separate portraits seen is unethical.
1
As art experts the authors are careless. The medium in plate not given is watercolor and the "Chinese Military" scene was "later" engraved not "lithographed". It is also poor geography to say that Lord Macartney's Embassy entered the Yangtse, when it was the Peiho River. In the Introduction, they produce two alibis: “Paintings illustrated in the sequence and not otherwise designated are attributed to him" [Chinnery], “except for portraits of Hong Merchants which are referred to in general terms” and "Events are necessarily telescoped without rigid regard for precise chronology". What a multitude of sins one can try to cover up with statements like these.
Is it really necessary to include Richard Henry Dana's "Two Years Before the Mast"? The voyage was along the California coast not to the Far East. Bryant & Sturgis, the owners, were of Boston as stated, but never had an office in Canton. Their China Trade business in Canton was handled by J. P. Sturgis & Co.
There are illustrated 20 paintings by Lt. J. S. Rundle, R. N. of Opium War scenes, also a pen and ink sketch. The medium is not given. All midshipmen in European Navies in the 19th century were taught to sketch and paint watercolors, so presumably these are in watercolor. The authors surmise that Chinnery met Rundle and "probably saw some of the action paintings actually illustrated in this work", but offer no factual proof that any meeting took place. No mention is made of W. A. Knell, the marine artist, whose work, of course, is much better known.
In fact, the authors give a very warped view of China Coast painting. No mention of Webber nor Huggins, nor Borget. The Daniells not to be confused with the Daniells of later date are mentioned, but the one Daniell illustration shown is Indian, inappropriate to a book on China Coast Paintings. Chinnery had European pupils - five at least but apparently they are unknown
to the authors.
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