Who painted 清佚名傳馬荃花蝶圖卷|Flowers and Butterflies?

清佚名傳馬荃花蝶圖卷|Flowers and Butterflies was painted by Ma Quan.

Where can I see 清佚名傳馬荃花蝶圖卷|Flowers and Butterflies?

清佚名傳馬荃花蝶圖卷|Flowers and Butterflies is held by Metropolitan Museum of Art.

What movement is 清佚名傳馬荃花蝶圖卷|Flowers and Butterflies?

清佚名傳馬荃花蝶圖卷|Flowers and Butterflies is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

清佚名傳馬荃花蝶圖卷|Flowers and Butterflies

Ma Quan

清佚名傳馬荃花蝶圖卷|Flowers and Butterflies is an ink painting by the Baroque artist Ma Quan. It is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Subject & Meaning

The recorded subject of the painting consists of butterfly and flower elements, a combination typical of the still‑life genre in Qing dynasty art.

The handscroll titled Flowers and Butterflies portrays a series of butterflies positioned among blooming flowers, creating a composition that intertwines these two natural motifs. The recorded subject of the painting consists of butterfly and flower elements, a combination typical of the still‑life genre in Qing dynasty art. Ma Quan produced this work in 1724 using ink and color on paper, a medium documented in the sources.

By focusing on these delicate creatures and blossoms, the painting reflects the era's interest in capturing the subtle beauty of nature within a handscroll format.

History & Provenance

The handscroll is dated 1724, aligning with the Qianlong-era activity of Ma Quan. Its early history is undocumented, but by the mid-twentieth century the work had entered a North American private collection. It was later acquired by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it is held today under object number 1973.120.1. No documented commission or original owner is recorded in available sources.

Overview

This handscroll, titled Flowers and Butterflies, is attributed to the Qing dynasty artist Ma Quan and dates to 1724. Executed with ink and color on paper, the painting presents a still life composition. It features a delicate depiction of a butterfly alongside a flowering plant, characteristic of traditional Chinese botanical and insect studies.

Technique & Style

Rendered in ink and color on paper, the scroll employs a soft palette. The artist utilized quick, precise brushstrokes to capture the delicate texture of the butterfly's wings, suggesting a subtle interplay of light. Fine details, such as individual petals and insect antennae, are meticulously observed and rendered with a steady hand, demonstrating careful attention to natural forms.

Context

Ma Quan worked during the Qing dynasty (1644–1912), a period known for its rich artistic traditions and diverse styles. Artists like Ma Quan often specialized in genres such as bird-and-flower painting, contributing to a long lineage of naturalistic depictions that combined aesthetic beauty with scholarly observation. His work reflects the refined tastes prevalent in 18th-century Chinese art.