Old China Street, Canton

1856

William Heine

Associated Names
William Heine

Artist, American, born Germany, 1827 - 1885

Napoleon Sarony

Printer, American, born Canada, 1821 - 1896

G. P. Putnam & Co.

Publisher

This image depicts Old China Street in Canton, viewed from a slightly elevated perspective. The horizon is high, marked by the rooftops of densely packed buildings flanking the street. Decorative elements like ornate arches and lanterns are visible. The brushstrokes are precise and detailed, adding realism to the scene. The color palette consists of warm earth tones with shades of brown, beige, and red, contrasted by the blue sky. Figures are engaged in various activities, providing a sense of daily life. In the distance, the street extends into a busy thoroughfare lined with more buildings and activity.

Media Options

This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    chromolithograph on Bristol board

  • Credit Line

    Corcoran Collection

  • Dimensions

    image: 20.32 × 30.16 cm (8 × 11 7/8 in.)
    board: 37.94 × 52.23 cm (14 15/16 × 20 9/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2015.143.1531.4

Associated Artworks

See all 11 artworks
The image shows a man standing upright, with his left hand on a chair. He has distinct facial features, short wavy hair, and wears a military uniform. The man is surrounded by a chair, a bicorne hat with a feather, and a sword in a decorative scabbard. The background is plain and formal.

Commodore M. C. Perry

William Heine, Napoleon Sarony, G. P. Putnam & Co.

1856

This is a photograph of a book cover. The cover is brown with a textured appearance and features gold embossed text that reads "GRAPHIC SCENES IN THE JAPAN EXPEDITION, BY WM. HEINE." The spine and corners are reinforced with darker material, showing wear and aging with frayed edges and scuffs.

Graphic Scenes of the Japan Expedition

William Heine, Napoleon Sarony, G. P. Putnam & Co.

1856

The image shows a panoramic view from a hillside overlooking a busy harbor and a distant town. The horizon features a hill with buildings and trees. The town extends over a rise of land with uniform buildings leading to the water, where sailing vessels can be seen. The painting is detailed, depicting architecture and landscape realistically. It uses muted earth tones like greens, browns, and warm shades of terra cotta for roofs, along with soft blues and grays for water and sky. Near the viewer, figures are shown on the hill surrounded by grass and rocks, guiding the eye towards the active harbor and distant town.

Macao from Penha Hill

William Heine, Napoleon Sarony, G. P. Putnam & Co.

1856


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

William Wilson Corcoran, Washington, DC; Corcoran Gallery of Art, Washington, DC, 1877; acquired 2015 by the National Gallery of Art

Associated Names

Inscriptions

text on stone: W. Heine del. / Lith. of Sarony & Co. 117 Fulton St. New York. / Old China Street, Canton. / (No. 4.)

Wikidata ID

Q77013549

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