From Staunton's account of British Ambassador's Visit to China. Illustrated by William Alexander. Published Apr 12 1796, Nicol. Pl.20. 'View of Western Gates of City of Peking'. Full Plate. Colour. Image 24x35cm
 
William Alexander was born in Maidstone, Kent, in Southeast England, in 1767. He became a student at the Royal Academy in 1784. In 1792, at the age of just 25, he was given the opportunity of a lifetime: he was chosen to accompany Lord Macartney's embassy to China as a junior draughtsman.