Item #295983 Hong-Shang. Auguste BORGET.

Hong-Shang

Paris: Goupil & Vibert.

Tinted lithograph. Sheet measures 15" x 21 5/8". Image measures 16" x 10".

This lovely drawing depicts a Chinese boat anchored in the Hong-Shang river, with smaller boats surrounding - presumably for trade. In the background are more small boats lining the river bank, traditional buildings standing behind a series of walls, and in the distance a tall pagoda sits at the top of a hill. On September 9, 1838, the artist described the scene; "At last day broke as we cast anchor before the Custom House of Hong-Shang, [...] and boats began to arrive in great numbers. By and bye many pushed off from the shore, and so great was the movement in the part of the river where we were stationed, that I took it for the market-place of the city, which stretches itself on both sides of the river. The most important part, situated on the left bank, is built on a hill, crowned by a fine tall pagoda."
The print is in good condition with wide margins as issued. Minor foxing and stains. Very minor wear to margins, not affecting the image.

The French artist Auguste Borget (1809-1877) exhibited often in the Paris Salon, but he is best known for his drawings of China, made into lithographics by Eugene Ciceri and published in 1842 in a book titled Chine et les Chinoise [China and the Chinese]. Bourget visited the region between 1838 and 1839, as part of a world tour aboard the ship "Psyche", and found it to be one of his favorites. This print evidences his love of the country and its culture.

Language: French

Price: $500.00

Item #295983

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