Marciano Antonio Baptista (Portuguese, 1826-1896) A busy street scene, Gilman's Bazaar, Hong Kong watercolour 42.3 x 64.4cm (16 5/8 x 25 3/8in). mounted but unframed Footnotes: Provenance Private collection, UK (as a pair with lot 36). Anon. sale, Bonhams, London, 9 May 2006, lot 41 (as a pair with lot 36). With Martyn Gregory, London (as a pair with lot 36). 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. The present work features Gilman's Bazaar, a bustling street crowded with vendors at Marine Lot 55. Batista has painted the scene from Queen's Road towards the harbour on a winter's afternoon. The shop signs, numbered 19 to 22, advertise various goods and services, including tobacco, textiles, herbal medicine, money exchange, footwear, spirits, and watches. 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 watercolour offers 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