This is an oil painting by J.T. Thomson, who served as the first government surveyor in Singapore from 1841 to 1853. It shows a view of the Padang from Scandal Point, the Saluting Battery (a small knoll above the original shoreline since levelled) situated at the edge of Connaught Drive, southeast of St. Andrew’s Church (St. Andrew’s Cathedral today). The Padang was the heart of social life in 19th century Singapore, and is depicted here in its most bustling state in the late afternoon with different communities dressed in their respective costumes.
