Hurlingham Fine Arts

Description

James Wathen (c.1751-1828)

An extremely rare early watercolour of Guia Fortress, Macau, drawn by James Wathen in 1812, one of the first travel artists to visit China.

Inscribed by the artist verso ' No.1 Continued View from Mr Roberts Garden, Camoens, Green Hill,/ and to the division between China & Portugal,/26 Dec 1812' and further inscribed on the mount below 'View at Macoa continued from the Gaer Hill- to the boundary Line of the Portuguese'.

The fort was built by the Portuguese between 1622-1638 on the 300ft Guia Hill. With a commanding view over the Macau Peninsular the fort was perfectly sited to defend against any invaders.

James Wathen (c.1751-1828) recorded his travels from Madras to Macao in the 'Journal of a Voyage in 1811 and 1812, returning by The Cape of Good Hope and St.Helena in the H.C.S. The Hope, Capt. James Pendergrass, by James Wathen'. It was illustrated with twenty-four coloured prints, from drawings by the author, first published in 1814.
Having arrived at Macao by Chinese junk on the 26th December 1812, Wathen describes in this journal the moment he drew the present watercolour.

' Returning from the (Church of Saint Antonio) monastery of Franciscans, I was permitted to walk in the nunnery of St.Clara, most charmingly situated near the sea. On leaving the nunnery, I came through a gate at the back of the town that led to the fort, where were some soldiers on duty, who did not shew me that civility I received from the Franciscan monks. On descending the hill that led to the fort, the road was by the beautiful church of St.Lazarus, near the foot of the Gaer-hill, whereon is situated a small fort and chapel. On gaining the summit of this steep ascent, I was most amply re-paid for my exertion, as the scene opened in all its loveliness and grandeur. The morning proving very clear, I highly enjoyed the glorious view around me, of mountains, buildings, sea, and numerous shipping and boats. On descending this hill, I was frequently induced to sit down and trace with my pencil some of its various beauties one in particular attracted my notice, as it included a fine view of the fort, the gardens of Camoens, and the peninsula, with the Chinese wall and gate before mentioned, and a very picturesque village.'

Provenance: Ex. Collection Iolo Williams, where incorrectly attributed to Thomas Sunderland (1744-1828).