An Officer of the Corps of Bowmen 1797 - 1805

"An Officer of the Corps of Bowmen" is a watercolor on paper drawing by William Alexander, created between 1797 and 1805. It depicts a figure in full military dress, holding a bow and arrows, and standing proudly in front of a flag emblazoned with Chinese characters. The drawing offers a glimpse into the military attire and customs of the Qing Dynasty in China, highlighting the rich detail of the officer's uniform and the distinctive symbolism of the flag. Alexander, a British artist known for his detailed and accurate depictions of military figures and costumes, captures the subject's form with precision and finesse. The artwork is now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.