Lot 32: Henry Hope Crealock (British, 1831-1891)

Portrait of Yeh Mingchen, Governor of Canton 1852-58
bears inscription 'Profile of "Yeh" Viceroy of Canton, at present a prisoner on board H.M.S. "Inflexible" at the Bogue. Sketched by Major Crealock" and date 'January 1858'
pen and ink and wash
31.7 x 20.3 cm. (12 1/4 x 8 in.)
unframed

Yeh was governor of Canton during the 2nd Opium War 1856-60 and following a series of calculated insults provoked the British into bombarding the city, whereupon he burnt down the European factories. Yeh was captured on 28th December 1857 and held prisoner on board HMS "Inflexible".

The artist Charles Wirgman described the scene: "Yeh was superbly cool, and when told he was to be put on board the "Inflexible", he said that it was some time since he had seen an English man-of-war, and should be delighted thus to become acquainted with one".

Major H. H. Crealock served as deputy adjutant quartermaster-general to the China expeditionary force.