Marciano Antonio Baptista (Portuguese, 1826-1896) A busy Hong Kong street scene, Gilman's Bazaar, with sampans along the waterfront watercolour 43.2 x 63.5cm (17 x 25in). mounted but unframed Footnotes: Provenance Private collection, UK (as a pair with lot 38). Anon. sale, Bonhams, London, 9 May 2006, lot 41 (as a pair with lot 38). With Martyn Gregory, London (as a pair with lot 38). Marciano Antonio Baptista (1826-1896) was born to a Portuguese Macau family, son of a Lorcha captain. He received his education at the seminary of São José. By the late 1850s, he and his wife, Maria Josepha, had settled in Hong Kong. Baptista's artistic journey began in the 1840s when he started copying drawings by George Chinnery. His talent was recognised, and a letter in the Hong Kong China Mail of 3 September 1857 praised his work, describing him as 'a pupil for a time of Chinnery'. In the same year, Baptista himself advertised 'views of Hong Kong, Macao, etc., after the late Mr Chinnery', as well as his own original sketches. His most active period was between 1850 and 1870. During this time, he created numerous watercolour views of Hong Kong, which, while influenced by Chinnery, he developed a distinct style. Baptista's attention to detail, particularly in his depictions of architecture and shipping, gives his works significant historical value. This watercolour features Gilman's Bazaar, a bustling street crowded with vendors at Marine Lot 55. Baptista has painted the scene on a winter's day with his back towards the harbour. The shop signs include money exchange, fabrics, herbal medicine, foreign tobacco, and Tungshun shop. The Danish flag marks the godowns of Jardine, Matheson & Co. The Illustrated London News has described Gilman's Bazaar as 'a picturesque bit of Hong-Kong' with descriptions of the colourful scene of drying clothes, the smoky atmosphere of the Chinese houses, and the bustling activity of the street. This work offer a glimpse into the nascent stages of the burgeoning city of Hong Kong. For comparable versions by Baptista, see Martyn Gregory, cat.82, 2006, no.3 and 4. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing