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View of the Harbor at Canton | The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Dating back to 1790, this painting is created using oil to decorate a glass frame. It depicts a westernized Chinese harbor with flags of the west flying high with the Great Wall peaking over a hilltop. This attractive painting would have been an export to any western merchant, European or American, who might be doing business in the east. The ships are diverse, from great caravels to unique Asian boats with their distinct sails. This piece represents the global trade going on during this…
