Artwork

Album of Miscellaneous Subjects, Leaf 6

Album of Miscellaneous Subjects, Leaf 6, by Fan Qi, unspecified, 1662
Album of Miscellaneous Subjects, Leaf 6, by Fan Qi, unspecified, 1662

Album of Miscellaneous Subjects, Leaf 6 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

The work's surface condition is generally stable, with only minor abrasions at the edges consistent with careful handling over centuries.

The leaf is executed in ink and color on paper, forming part of a handscroll format that was later album-mounted. Its flat handling and restrained composition reflect the painterly conventions of mid-17th-century Chinese studio practice, while the delicate gradation of tones demonstrates Fan Qi's subtle use of wash techniques. The work's surface condition is generally stable, with only minor abrasions at the edges consistent with careful handling over centuries.

History & Provenance

Album of Miscellaneous Subjects, Leaf 6 was created by Fan Qi in 1662, a date established as the inception of the work and consistent across both the institutional classification and the Wikidata record for the painting. The leaf was produced in China. It now forms part of the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it is catalogued under accession number 1975.22.6.

The sources do not provide further detail on the chain of ownership, commission, or acquisition circumstances preceding the museum's holdings.

Context

Leaf 6 from Fan Qi's Album of Miscellaneous Subjects (1662) exemplifies his mature style within the Chinese painting tradition, reflecting the Qing dynasty's artistic milieu through its depiction of everyday subjects. The work is part of the Cleveland Museum of Art's collection, underscoring its significance within institutional holdings of Ming-Qing transition works.

Scholarly attention focuses on Qi's role in bridging literati traditions with emerging market aesthetics, though specific critical commentary on this leaf remains sparse in accessible literature. Its creation in China during the mid-17th century situates it within a pivotal period of artistic evolution, documented through its physical provenance and material context.

Overview

Created in 1662 by the Chinese painter Fan Qi, this small sheet from the Album of Miscellaneous Subjects is part of the Cleveland Museum of Art’s collection. The work presents a solitary bird perched on a branch, framed by a few sprigs of bamboo. Its restrained composition and muted background focus attention on the delicate figure and its surrounding foliage.

Subject & Meaning

The central figure appears to be a small passerine, perhaps a sparrow or finch, caught in a moment of quiet observation. Its head is slightly cocked, suggesting curiosity or alertness. The inclusion of bamboo, a symbol of resilience and integrity in Chinese art, may underscore themes of natural harmony and the modest virtues associated with the bird’s humble presence.

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 6?

Album of Miscellaneous Subjects, Leaf 6 was painted by Fan Qi in 1662-01-01.

Where can I see Album of Miscellaneous Subjects, Leaf 6?

Album of Miscellaneous Subjects, Leaf 6 is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Album of Miscellaneous Subjects, Leaf 6?

Album of Miscellaneous Subjects, Leaf 6 is associated with Chinese Orthodox School.