Antique Print of a Pagoda near Guangzhou by Vaillant (c.1850)

Description: Antique print titled 'Pagode aux Environs de Canton'. This print depicts a pagoda in Guangzhou, China. Originates from 'Voyage autour du monde, exécuté pendant les années 1836 et 1837 sur la corvette La Bonite (..)' by A.N. Vaillant. 

The main aim of this voyage was political in nature; to show the French flag in various areas in the Pacific – the Hawaiian Islands, China, and Cochin China, to extend protection to a number of French subjects, and to draw up comprehensive reports on the countries visited, including Brazil, Chile, the Marianas, and the Philippines. Although the projected voyage was to be of rather short duration, scientific interests were valso considered, and members of the expedition included Joseph Eydoux, a zoologist who had previously sailed to the Pacific with La Place, and Charles Gaudichaud, a botanist who had previously travelled with Freycinet. In Hawaii Vaillant spent much time easing relations between French residents and the chiefs, particularly with respect to the expulsion of Catholic priests.

Artists and Engravers: Auguste-Nicolas Vaillant (2 July 1793 – 1 November 1858) was a French sailor who worked his way up through the ranks from common seaman to rear-admiral.