Lot Essay
It is probable that this picture was painted during the artist's period in India between the years 1802-1825. During his stay in Calcutta, Chinnery established a reputation as the city's most fashionable portraitist, painting life-size portraits of European society in a style similar that of Sir Thomas Lawrence, the renowned British artist of his day. In later years, Chinnery showed a preference for painting portraits on small scale canvases.
George Chinnery was the most important European artist of the time
to live and work in the Far East. Born in London, he began his career there, moving to Dublin in 1796 where he earned a reputation as a
portrait painter. In 1802, he sailed to India and spent the next
twenty-two years living in Calcutta painting miniatures, portraits and landscapes. In 1825, Chinnery moved to Macao where he painted
industriously until his death in 1852. His studies of Eastern life
were executed with considerable charm and were very popular. He never allowed his work to become orientalised, remaining an essentially
English artist.
George Chinnery was the most important European artist of the time
to live and work in the Far East. Born in London, he began his career there, moving to Dublin in 1796 where he earned a reputation as a
portrait painter. In 1802, he sailed to India and spent the next
twenty-two years living in Calcutta painting miniatures, portraits and landscapes. In 1825, Chinnery moved to Macao where he painted
industriously until his death in 1852. His studies of Eastern life
were executed with considerable charm and were very popular. He never allowed his work to become orientalised, remaining an essentially
English artist.