William Alexander

William Alexander was active as an artist during the years 1785 to 1797. His output consists primarily of historical drawings and observational studies, documenting both domestic genre scenes and specialized ethnographic subjects.

The known drawings by Alexander demonstrate a diverse range of subject matter. They include detailed studies of contemporary life, such as A young man leaning on a fence and Woman in a Rustic Interior, alongside highly specific observational works focused on Chinese culture. These latter works, including A Chinese Peasant Selling Betel, An Officer of the Corps of Bowmen, and the theatrical observation A Scene in an Historical Play Exhibited on the Chinese Stage, suggest a strong interest in topographical documentation common among Western artists of the late 18th century.

Five of Alexander’s drawings are represented in major American institutions, establishing their status as museum-quality historical documents. His work is held by the National Gallery of Art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the Art Institute of Chicago. These William Alexander prints and drawings are often accessible today as downloadable artwork, with the age of the original works placing them within the public domain.