Singapore Through 19th Century Prints and Paintings Text : Wong Hong Suen 176 pages · 235 x 250 mm · 30 € ISBN : 978-981-4260-07-7 Ouvrage uniquement disponible en langue anglaise Sélectionner une langue : anglais

le livre

Voyages of scientific exploration, trade and colonial conquest brought many visitors to Singapore in the 19th century, and was further augmented by globe-trotting tourists as travel became increasingly convenient. Much of our understanding of early colonial Singapore is primarily due to the accounts of these travellers. While many recorded their impressions in writing, some captured theirs in prints and paintings. Colonial administrators and surveyors also contributed to this body of work, and their colourful creations—now displayed in this book—have a special significance today as some of the few surviving visual records of Singapore’s early history. As Singapore developed into a major entrepôt, documenting the significant changes to the natural and urban environment became a significant undertaking, resulting in many artworks that divulge intriguing details about a dynamic time. Two essays, along with comprehensive captions for each print and painting, offer insight into the context in which the images were produced. This book reveals the wonder, insights and also prejudices of early travellers, and provides a vivid picture of modern Singapore in its first century.