This view of Singapore’s waterfront belongs to the genre of ‘China Trade paintings’ (also known as ‘Chinese Export paintings’), which were first produced from the late 18th century by Chinese artists working in Canton (present-day Guangzhou), and primarily intended for a Western clientele. This painting presents an expansive view of the waterfront, featuring a great diversity of vessels and many European-style buildings. The Government House with its flagstaff on top of Government Hill (present day Fort Canning Hill), crowns the urban landscape. The harbour, crowded with European/American square-rigged clippers, Chinese junks and smaller sailing vessels from the surrounding region, reflect Singapore’s role as a major regional trading hub and an important port of call at the crossroads of international trade in the 19th century. Architectural elements such as St Andrew’s Church (built in 1837 and demolished by 1855) and the steeple of the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd (completed in 1847), help to date this painting to the mid-19th century.
