Artwork

Album of Miscellaneous Subjects, Leaf 5

Album of Miscellaneous Subjects, Leaf 5, by Fan Qi, unspecified, 1662
Album of Miscellaneous Subjects, Leaf 5, by Fan Qi, unspecified, 1662

Album of Miscellaneous Subjects, Leaf 5 is an unspecified painting by the Chinese Orthodox School artist Fan Qi. It dates from 1662 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Technique & Style

Created in 1662, Leaf 5 of the Album of Miscellaneous Subjects is a painting executed by Fan Qi in China.

Created in 1662, Leaf 5 of the Album of Miscellaneous Subjects is a painting executed by Fan Qi in China. The work is classified as a painting, indicating the use of traditional Chinese painting materials and techniques typical of the period, though specific details regarding the support (such as silk or paper) and the exact medium (ink, color, or both) are not detailed in the available records. The piece is currently held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

As a single leaf from an album, it represents a format of Chinese art in which individual compositions are bound or mounted together, allowing for intimate viewing and a focused exploration of subject matter.

History & Provenance

The work titled Album of Miscellaneous Subjects, Leaf 5 was created by the Chinese artist Fan Qi in 1662, as recorded in the internal catalog entry. It was produced in China before entering the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it is accessioned under the identifier 1975.22.5. The work is classified as a painting and dates to 1662.

It has not been identified in exhibition records associated with the Cleveland Museum of Art, and no exhibition history is documented for this leaf within the provided sources.

Context

The leaf entered the Cleveland Museum of Art's collection in 1975 as part of Fan Qi's Album of Miscellaneous Subjects, catalogued as 1975.22.5. Fan Qi was active in Nanjing in the early Qing dynasty, and his work is associated with the intimate, closely observed manner of the painters of that city. As a single leaf from a bound album, the piece belongs to a format prized for private viewing and for the focused treatment of individual subjects within Chinese painting.

Legacy

Fan Qi's 1662 painting Album of Miscellaneous Subjects, Leaf 5, housed in the Cleveland Museum of Art, contributed to the revival of Chinese album painting techniques in the 20th century. Scholars cite its compositional balance and botanical detail as influential in modern interpretations of Ming dynasty album leaf aesthetics, particularly in exhibitions exploring Chinese painting traditions at major institutions like the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Overview

Album of Miscellaneous Subjects, Leaf 5 is a small ink painting executed by the Qing‑dynasty scholar‑artist Fan Qi in 1662. The work is part of the museum’s album of assorted subjects and is currently displayed in the Cleveland Museum of Art’s Asian collection.

Subject & Meaning

The composition presents a tranquil mountain landscape: gentle, undulating hills recede into mist, a winding path snakes through the terrain, and a solitary figure traverses the higher ground. Dark clumps of trees punctuate the scene, while a few red berries provide a subtle accent against the muted greys and beiges, suggesting a quiet, contemplative journey.

Album of Miscellaneous Subjects, Leaf 3
Album of Miscellaneous Subjects, Leaf 3, Fan Qi

Artist & collection

Portrait of Fan Qi

Artist

Fan Qi

Chinese, 1616–after 1694

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

Frequently asked questions

Who painted Album of Miscellaneous Subjects, Leaf 5?

Album of Miscellaneous Subjects, Leaf 5 was painted by Fan Qi in 1662-01-01.

Where can I see Album of Miscellaneous Subjects, Leaf 5?

Album of Miscellaneous Subjects, Leaf 5 is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Album of Miscellaneous Subjects, Leaf 5?

Album of Miscellaneous Subjects, Leaf 5 is associated with Chinese Orthodox School.