Guide to the William Alexander Engravings.

Collection Number: 4510

Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections
Cornell University Library

Contact Information:
Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections
2B Carl A. Kroch Library
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY 14853
(607) 255-3530
Fax: (607) 255-9524
rareref@cornell.edu
http://rmc.library.cornell.edu
Compiled by:
E. Engst
Date completed:
January 1992
EAD encoding:
Martin Heggestad, May 2003

© 2002 Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections, Cornell University Library

DESCRIPTIVE SUMMARY

Title:
William Alexander engravings.
Collection Number:
4510
Creator:
William Alexander, 1767-1816.
Quantity:
4 items.
Forms of Material:
Engravings.
Repository:
Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections, Cornell University Library
Abstract:
Four engravings of scenes of China published in 1796: "View of the Suburbs of a Chinese City," "View of one of the Western Gates of the City of Pekin," "View of the Lake Pao-Ying where it is separated from the Grand Canal by an embankment of Earth," and "View of Pai-Loo, improperly called a Triumphal Arch, and of a Chinese fortress."
Language:
Collection material in English

BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE

William Alexander studied under Julius Caesar Ibbetson. He served as the "draughtsman" for the Macartney Expedition to China, 1792-1794, sailing in the Hindostan, and making a vast number of sketches. Upon his return to England, he worked up many of these into finished color-wash drawings. A number of these were engraved and reproduced in Sir George Staunton's account of the embassy.
COLLECTION DESCRIPTION

Four engravings of scenes of China: "View of the Suburbs of a Chinese City," London, published April 12, 1796 by G. Nicol, A.T. Pouncy, sculpt.; "View of one of the Western Gates of the City of Pekin," London, published April 12, 1796 by G. Nicol, Wm. Alexander, del., J. Dadley, sculpt.; "View of the Lake Pao-Ying where it is separated from the Grand Canal by an embankment of Earth," London, published April 12, 1796 by G. Nicol, W. Alexander, del., Wm. and Elizabeth Ellis, sculpt.; "View of Pai-Loo, improperly called a Triumphal Arch, and of a Chinese fortress," London, published April 12, 1796 by G. Nicol, W. Alexander, del., J. Chapman, sculpt.
SUBJECTS

Names:
Alexander, William, 1767-1816.
Chapman, J., engraver.
Dadley, J., engraver.
Ellis, Elizabeth, engraver.
Ellis, William, engraver.
Nicol, G., publisher.
Pouncy, A. T., engraver.

Places:
China--Description and travel--Views--To 1900.

Form and Genre Terms:
Engravings.
INFORMATION FOR USERS

Cite As:
William Alexander engravings. #4510. Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections, Cornell University Library.
CONTAINER LIST

Description
Container
View of Pai-Loo, improperly called a Triumphal Arch, and of a Chinese fortress. London. Published Apr. 12, 1796 by G. Nicol. W. Alexander, del. J. Chapman, sculpt.
Box 1
View of the Lake Pao-Yng where it is separated from the Grand Canal by an embankmen of Earth. London. Published Apr. 12, 1796 by G. Nicol. W. Alexander, del. Wm. & Elizabeth Ellis, sculpt.
Box 1
View of one of the Western Gates of the City of Pekin. London. Published Apr. 12, 1796 by G. Nicol. Wm. Alexander, del. J. Dadley, sculpt.
Box 1
View of the Suburbs of a Chinese city. London. Published Apr. 12, 1796 by G. Nicol. Wm. Alexander, del. A.T. Pouncy, sculpt.
Box 1