Artwork

Album of Miscellaneous Subjects, Leaf 8

Album of Miscellaneous Subjects, Leaf 8, by Fan Qi, unspecified, 1662
Album of Miscellaneous Subjects, Leaf 8, by Fan Qi, unspecified, 1662

Album of Miscellaneous Subjects, Leaf 8 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

Subject & Meaning

Created in 1662 by the Chinese artist Fan Qi, this leaf from the Album of Miscellaneous Subjects depicts a flower. As part of a collection titled for varied topics, the work focuses on botanical representation rather than narrative scenes or figures. The specific species of the flower and any associated symbolic meanings or iconographic traditions are not detailed in the available records.

History & Provenance

Album of Miscellaneous Subjects, Leaf 8 is a painting by Fan Qi (1616–after 1694) dated to 1662 and produced in China. It is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art under the accession number 1975.22.8, indicating acquisition in 1975. No further details on prior ownership, commission, or earlier provenance are documented in the available sources.

Context
The leaf is frequently cited in studies of album-format compositions as a representative example of 17th-century Chinese decorative painting.

The 1662 painting Leaf 8 from Fan Qi's Album of Miscellaneous Subjects exemplifies the artist's specialization in floral imagery within the Chinese literati tradition. As part of the Cleveland Museum of Art's collection (accession 1975.22.8), the work reflects the late-Ming/early-Qing period's interest in subtle brushwork and naturalistic representation. The leaf is frequently cited in studies of album-format compositions as a representative example of 17th-century Chinese decorative painting.

Overview

This painting, titled Album of Miscellaneous Subjects, Leaf 8, was created by the artist Fan Qi in 1662. It is currently housed in The Cleveland Museum of Art. The work presents a tranquil natural landscape, featuring birds within a serene setting, rendered with a subtle palette and delicate brushwork characteristic of album leaf paintings from this period.

Technique & Style

The painting employs a soft color palette, predominantly featuring greens, blues, and earthy tones that contribute to its subdued atmosphere. Occasional bright accents of red and pink flowers provide visual counterpoints within the tranquil landscape. This careful use of color, combined with the misty elements and the pale sky, evokes a sense of stillness and gentle beauty.

Album of Miscellaneous Subjects, Leaf 9
Album of Miscellaneous Subjects, Leaf 9, 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 8?

Album of Miscellaneous Subjects, Leaf 8 was painted by Fan Qi in 1662-01-01.

Where can I see Album of Miscellaneous Subjects, Leaf 8?

Album of Miscellaneous Subjects, Leaf 8 is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Album of Miscellaneous Subjects, Leaf 8?

Album of Miscellaneous Subjects, Leaf 8 is associated with Chinese Orthodox School.