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.
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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.