Artwork
Bird on an Apple Branch
Bird on an Apple Branch is an unspecified painting by the Song dynasty painting artist Huang Quan. It dates from 944 and is held in the collection of the National Palace Museum.
About this work
Overview
Bird on an Apple Branch is a painting created by Huang Quan around 944, exemplifying the refined court painting style of the Five Dynasties period and early Song dynasty.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts a bird perched on an apple branch with green leaves, showcasing a naturalistic representation of flora and fauna characteristic of Huang Quan's work.
Technique & Style
The artist's detailed and realistic approach is evident in the bird's brown and green plumage and the pink and white apples, set against a solid-colored background that enhances the simplicity and elegance of the composition.
History & Provenance
Huang Quan worked within imperial academies for several courts, becoming a foundational figure in bird-and-flower painting; his style was later documented in the 12th-century catalog Xuanhe Huapu.
Artist & collection
Artist
Huang Quan (903–965), courtesy name Yaoshu, was a Chinese painter during the Five Dynasties period and the Song dynasty who worked in the imperial painting academies of the Former Shu, Later Shu and Song dynasties.
