Topographical Images: Prints from the 17th to the 19th centuries
In the mid-15th century, letterpress printing and the publishing industry in Europe became increasingly mature and people were eager to gain greater knowledge and explore the unknown world. During the Age of Discovery, European navigators and missionaries sailed on the crest of waves as they embarked on adventures across the world, which facilitated the resultant trade and cultural exchange between the East and the West.
Since the mid-17th century, diplomatic corps from the Netherlands, the Great Britain and France visited China successively and captured the topographical landscape of the country in detail using words, sketches and drawings. In addition, world-travelling painters touring the coastal cities of China and Western missionary artists sojourning in China published what they had seen during their travels in illustrated books upon their return home, which feature abundant information and illustrations regarding Chinese landscape, architecture and customs, thereby expanding people’s knowledge about the distant country. Illustrations in these books were usually prints made by artists who were adept at creating copper plate etchings through copper or steel plate engraving based on the original drawings or sketches by the painters. The said information was also published in weekly or monthly periodicals regularly with graphic explanations. Back then, a wave of ‘Chinoiserie’ prevailed across Europe and the topographical images featuring Oriental landscape became an eye-opener for people in the West.
Since the mid-16th century when the Portuguese set foot here, Macao has gradually developed into a small city that features a harmonious blend of southern European culture and oriental appeal. Macao also serves as a unique platform for cultural and religious exchange between the West and the East, attracting the coming of artists in the Western diplomatic corps, merchants, missionary painters, travelling painters and poets.
This section exhibits approximately 30 printed illustrations on Macao’s landscape and topography in the past. Along the stunning coastline are architectures and landscapes unique to the city, including the most well-known Praia Grande embankment, Guia Hill, Penha Hill and A-Ma Temple, together constructing a romantic ambience that attracts all to visit.