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George Chinnery Most Popular Paintings

The 25 artworks by George Chinnery our visitors ask for most, ranked by popularity and presented one by one, with the specification and the price of each hand-painted reproduction.

Edition 2026 · 25 artworks Each artwork painted to order
Linen canvas · Certificate of authenticity · Delivered worldwide George Chinnery · 1774 – 1852

Houqua

1843 · Metropolitan Museum of Art, new york · original 64 x 46 cm

Painted by George Chinnery during his time in Madras (Chennai), this artwork exemplifies the artist's skill in capturing portraiture and incorporating decorative elements into a scene.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 1 of 170 artworks by George Chinnery
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17728 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$23546 × 64 cm Commission at original size

A Chinese sampan girl

Hong Kong Museum of Art, Hong Kong · original 23 x 28 cm

This captivating portrait showcases George Chinnery's masterful depiction of a young woman adorned with a blue ribboned hat. Set against the majestic backdrop of distant mountains, the painting captures her gaze directly at the viewer amidst a serene maritime scene featuring a sampan boat.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 2 of 170 artworks by George Chinnery
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17729 × 34 cm Commission this artwork

Portrait of Nathan Dunn

1830 · Philadelphia Museum of Art, Philadelphia

This 1830 oil portrait by George Chinnery captures a dignified gentleman in classical realism. Discover this timeless masterpiece today.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 3 of 170 artworks by George Chinnery
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17728 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

John Lyon

1812 · Yale Center for British Art, New Haven · original 20.3 x 17.5cm

This intimate 1812 profile portrait by George Chinnery captures a serene scholar. Discover the beauty of this classical masterpiece today.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 4 of 170 artworks by George Chinnery
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17729 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

A Gentleman with Auburn Hair

Yale Center for British Art, New Haven · original 9.2 x 8.3cm

This intimate watercolor miniature by George Chinnery captures a gentleman with warm auburn hair. Discover this refined portrait today.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 5 of 170 artworks by George Chinnery
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17728 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

A Man Called W. C. Hunter

1825 · Yale Center for British Art, New Haven · original 29.2 x 22.9cm

This 1825 profile portrait by George Chinnery features warm tones and rich red drapery. Discover this elegant oil on canvas masterpiece today.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 6 of 170 artworks by George Chinnery
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17728 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Portrait of a Man Playing a Guitar

1835 · Yale Center for British Art, New Haven · original 30.5 x 26.4cm

This romantic 1835 portrait by George Chinnery captures a musician in elegant detail. Shop this timeless masterpiece today.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 7 of 170 artworks by George Chinnery
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17729 × 34 cm Commission this artwork

Portrait of a Gentleman Called Michael Thomas Sadler

Yale Center for British Art, New Haven · original 7.9 x 6.7cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 8 of 170 artworks by George Chinnery
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17727 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Portrait of a Gentleman

1800 · Yale Center for British Art, New Haven · original 7.6 x 6.0cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 9 of 170 artworks by George Chinnery
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17727 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Self-Portrait

1800 · Yale Center for British Art, New Haven · original 94.0 x 81.3cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 10 of 170 artworks by George Chinnery
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17729 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$37281 × 94 cm Commission at original size

Indian Landscape with Temple

1815 · Yale Center for British Art, New Haven · original 20.5 x 24.1cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 11 of 170 artworks by George Chinnery
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17734 × 29 cm Commission this artwork

An Unknown Man

1835 · Yale Center for British Art, New Haven · original 35.6 x 30.5cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 12 of 170 artworks by George Chinnery
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17729 × 34 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$18031 × 36 cm Commission at original size

Portrait of Harriet Low

1833 · Peabody Essex Museum, Salem

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 13 of 170 artworks by George Chinnery
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17730 × 34 cm Commission this artwork

Self-Portrait

1825 · original 22 x 18 cm

Discover George Chinnery’s ‘Self-Portrait’ (1825). An enigmatic oil painting showcasing a refined figure in Chinese style. Explore realism & expressive brushwork – a unique piece!

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 14 of 170 artworks by George Chinnery
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17729 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

An English Family in Macao

1835 · Yale Center for British Art, New Haven · original 73.0 x 58.7cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 15 of 170 artworks by George Chinnery
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$27729 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$37459 × 73 cm Commission at original size

Indian Watering Place with Women and Cattle in a Stream

1813 · Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Birmingham

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 16 of 170 artworks by George Chinnery
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17736 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

Chinese Gambler

1840 · Yale Center for British Art, New Haven · original 15.2 x 20.3cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 17 of 170 artworks by George Chinnery
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$22737 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

Hindu Temple, near Benares, India

1813 · Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Birmingham

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 18 of 170 artworks by George Chinnery
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17736 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

A Man Carrying Faggot

1799 · Yale Center for British Art, New Haven · original 29.8 x 24.1cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 19 of 170 artworks by George Chinnery
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17728 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Gilbert Elliot, 1st Earl of Minto (1751-1814), Viceroy of British India and Governor General of the Dutch East Indies (1812-14), George Chinnery, 1812 - 1847

View the most popular artwork of George Chinnery ranked #20: Gilbert Elliot, 1st Earl of Minto (1751-1814), Viceroy of British India and Governor General of the Dutch East Indies (1812-14), George Chinnery, 1812 - 1847

1847 · original 238 x 149 cm

Admire George Chinnery’s 1812 portrait of Gilbert Elliot, 1st Earl of Minto. Oil on canvas, rich details & formal style capture a pivotal British figure.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 20 of 170 artworks by George Chinnery
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17725 × 40 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$1177149 × 238 cm Commission at original size

Portrait of a Mandarin

original 65.0 x 47.0cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 21 of 170 artworks by George Chinnery
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17726 × 38 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$23847 × 65 cm Commission at original size

M. Durand

1847

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 22 of 170 artworks by George Chinnery
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17727 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Portrait of Mrs Eustace

original 76.0 x 63.0cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 23 of 170 artworks by George Chinnery
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17729 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$28963 × 76 cm Commission at original size

Unknown Man

Nationalmuseum, Stockholm · original 7.3 x 5.9cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 24 of 170 artworks by George Chinnery
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17728 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Indian river scene with men bathing

1813 · Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Birmingham

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 25 of 170 artworks by George Chinnery
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17737 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

The artist

George Chinnery

1774 – 1852

Quick facts

Museums on APSNationalmuseum, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Yale Center for British Art, Metropolitan Museum of Art
Copyright statusPublic domain
Art period19th Century
Also known asQiannali, Geo. Chinnery, Chinnery, Chinnery Geo, ジョージ・チネリ―
Corpus themesrealist detail, documenting colonial life, documenting the east, 18th century portraiture, documenting asia
Died1852
Top-ranked workHouqua
NationalityUnited Kingdom

Biography

Early Life and Training (1774-1801)

Born: London, United Kingdom, in 1774
Family Background: His father was an exponent of the Gurney system of shorthand.
Artistic Education: Studied at the Royal Academy Schools in London. This provided a foundation in classical techniques and artistic principles.
Early Career: Experienced some success as an artist in Ireland before moving to Madras (Chennai) in 1802.

Life in Asia: India and China (1802-1852)

Move to India: Sailed to Madras in 1802, establishing himself as a painter within the British community.
Calcutta Residency: Became the leading artist of the British community in Calcutta (Kolkata). This period marked his most prolific and influential years.
Portraits of Prominent Figures: Painted portraits of notable individuals, including Colonel James Achilles Kirkpatrick and his family. These works offer insights into colonial society and familial relationships.
Move to Southern China: Due to mounting debt, he relocated to Macau in 1825.
Macau Period: Continued painting portraits of European merchants, Chinese residents, and sea captains. His style was closely imitated by the Cantonese artist Lam Qua.
Hong Kong Visit: Made a six-month visit to Hong Kong in 1846, documenting the newly founded colony through detailed studies.

Artistic Style and Techniques

Portraiture Focus: Chinnery is best known for his portraits, capturing likenesses with sensitivity and detail.
Orientalist Influences: His work reflects elements of Orientalism, depicting Asian subjects within a European artistic framework. However, his portrayals often exhibit a degree of empathy and observation beyond simple exoticization.
Mediums Used: Primarily worked in oil paint and watercolor. He also produced numerous pencil drawings.
Unique Shorthand Notes: Chinnery used a modified version of the Gurney shorthand system to jot down quick notes on his sketches, providing valuable contextual information about his subjects and observations.
Influence of Local Artists: His style was influenced by local Chinese artistic traditions, particularly in his landscapes and depictions of everyday life.

Major Achievements and Historical Significance

Leading Western Artist in South China: Chinnery was the only Western painter resident in southern China between the early and mid-19th century, making him a unique chronicler of the region’s people and landscapes.
Documenting Colonial Life: His paintings provide valuable historical documentation of British colonial life in India and Macau, as well as the interactions between Europeans and Asians.
Influence on Chinese Art: Chinnery’s influence extended to local artists like Lam Qua, who adopted his portrait style.
Depiction of Ordinary People: His works vividly depict the lives of ordinary people, offering a rare glimpse into everyday existence during that period.
Literary Connection: Served as inspiration for the character Aristotle Quance in James Clavell’s novel Tai-pan.

Death and Legacy (1852 - Present)

Death: Died in Macau on May 30, 1852, and is buried in the Old Protestant Cemetery.
Collections: Substantial collections of his drawings are held at the Victoria and Albert Museum and the British Museum (London), Peabody Essex Museum (Salem, Massachusetts), Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, Hong Kong Museum of Art, Macau Museum, and Macau Museum of Art.
Ongoing Recognition: Exhibitions of his work have been held internationally, demonstrating continued interest in his art and historical significance.

Questions & Answers

Where are George Chinnery's artworks grouped by art movement?

George Chinnery's works can be browsed by movement on the artist's All Movements page.

Where are George Chinnery's artworks grouped by technique?

The All Medium page groups George Chinnery's artworks by technique.

What are the birthplace and birth year of George Chinnery?

George Chinnery was born in Gough Square in 1774.

By the WikiOO.org Editorial Team Updated Sept. 1, 2026

Collector's quiz

Where was George Chinnery born?
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one You choose the size

Standard formats or any custom dimension, matched to the proportions of the original.

two We paint and send a preview

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three Delivered, certified

Rolled, stretched or framed, insured, with a certificate of authenticity.

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