Artwork

Album of Miscellaneous Subjects, Leaf 8

Album of Miscellaneous Subjects, Leaf 8, by Fan Qi, unspecified, 1654
Album of Miscellaneous Subjects, Leaf 8, by Fan Qi, unspecified, 1654

Album of Miscellaneous Subjects, Leaf 8 is an unspecified painting by the Baroque artist Fan Qi. It dates from 1654 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Accession no.
1975.22.8

About this work

You see a small, quiet scene: two ducks sleeping on a rock while maple leaves drift down and hibiscus blooms float in water.

You see a small, quiet scene: two ducks sleeping on a rock while maple leaves drift down and hibiscus blooms float in water.

The poem written on the painting says the ducks dream of their missing partners. It’s a rare moment where words and image work together, something not all Chinese artists did. The artist, Fan Qi, lived through war and change, and his work often feels personal, like a private thought.

If you like this, look up more about china, qing dynasty (1644-1911), it’s full of paintings just like this one.

Overview

Album of Miscellaneous Subjects, Leaf 8 is a painting by Fan Qi, created during the Qing dynasty.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts two ducks resting on a rock amidst autumnal scenery, with drifting maple leaves and hibiscus blooms in water. An accompanying poem suggests the ducks are dreaming of their absent partners, illustrating a poignant moment of longing.

Technique & Style

The work showcases Fan Qi's ability to harmonize image and text, a characteristic not universally found in Chinese art. The artist's style is marked by a personal, introspective quality, reflecting his experiences during a period of turmoil.

Context

Fan Qi's work is situated within the Qing dynasty (1644-1911), a period that saw significant cultural and political change in China.

Album of Miscellaneous Subjects, Leaf 6
Album of Miscellaneous Subjects, Leaf 6, 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 1654.

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 Baroque.