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A group of objects associated with the cultivation of opium

Arthur William Devis

1788

watercolor

From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum

Rococo painting Romanticism 18th Century Still Life

Dominant colour

A group of objects associated with the cultivation of opium is a 1788 watercolor by Arthur William Devis, a Rococo painting work, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.

Who painted this?: Arthur William Devis
When & what style?: 1788 · Rococo painting
Where can I see it?: Victoria and Albert Museum

About this work

This painting shows a pile of old clay pots, a wooden mortar, and a few scattered seeds or pods. Some vines with small buds or flowers climb over the jars. The colors are mostly earthy browns and soft grays, with a few light green hints. The whole scene looks like it’s drawn quickly, with loose brushstrokes. The artist labeled it *"A group of objects associated with the cultivation of opium."* That’s a clue this isn’t just random junk—it’s a snapshot of something specific. Want to see more? Check out the Victoria and Albert Museum for similar sketches.