This late period work by the well-known Australian artist features the sidewheel steamer HONAM at anchor in Kowloon harbor. Chevalier was a great traveler of the world, taking inspiration from the places he visited for his artwork. It's likely he was either in Kowloon when this painted or this work was done from an earlier sketch, and perhaps was influenced by his travels to Canton with the Duke of Edinburgh aboard the HMS GALATEA.
Interestingly Chevalier has painted this much in the style of the China Trade artists which he was certainly familiar with from his travels. The painting has very nice detail, particularly on the ship and in the many other boats and buildings inside the harbour. The sky and mountains behind in cool tones set off the ship very well, along with giving the viewer the feeling of being there with the lush greenery and humid low lying clouds. The artist allows the sunlight to filter through and illuminate the bow of the vessel while the stern sits in a slight shadow.
HONAM was built by A. & J. Inglis Ltd., Glasgow in 1882 for the British owned Hong Kong, Canton & Macao Steam Boat Company. HONAM ran between Canton, Macao and Hong Kong during the late 19th century and is mentioned as still being in active service as late as 1915. The ship is named for the nearby Pearl River port island of Honam. The ship's name is on the bow in its phonetic spelling and in Chinese characters on the paddlebox, written traditionally from right to left. On the stern is the British Red Ensign or "Red Duster" flag, used by British merchant or passenger ships in the period.
