
Read the visual description
This is a painting depicting a ceremonial scene in traditional East Asian clothing. One figure is bowing deeply on the ground, while another elaborately dressed figure stands nearby. A procession of figures carrying banners and musical instruments adds to the ceremonial atmosphere. Architectural features, decorative elements, lanterns, and columns suggest a grand hall or temple setting. A smoke-emitting vessel on the right suggests ritualistic undertones. This is a piece inspired by 18th-century Chinese art, likely portraying a scene rich in cultural symbolism and hierarchical gestures.
National Gallery of Art · Drawing
A Scene in an Historical Play Exhibited on the Chinese Stage
William Alexander
- Date
- 1795
- Medium
- watercolor over graphite on wove paper
- Dimensions
- sheet: 23.6 × 35 cm (9 5/16 × 13 3/4 in.) mount: 30.4 × 42.1 cm (11 15/16 × 16 9/16 in.)
- Classification
- Drawing
- Accession number
- 2022.40.63
- Credit line
- Gift of Donald Stone
- Time span
- 1776 to 1800
- Department
- CG-E
Subjects and terms
- Woman
- Umbrella
- Costume
- Hat
- Man
Provenance
Dr. John Percy, London [1817-1889] (Lugt 1504). (W. S. Fine Art: Andrew Wyld, London, 2008); Donald Stone, New York [1942 - 2020]; bequest to NGA, 2022.
Inscription
lower right in brown ink: W Alexander 95--; along left edge, in graphite: Chinese Play
Marks
Dr. John Percy, London [1817-1889] (Lugt 1504)
NGA object ID 224450. Collection metadata is reproduced under CC0. This work is included because its NGA published-image record is marked open access; visitors should recheck the source record before substantial reuse.