Who painted Monkey Picking Herbs?

Monkey Picking Herbs was painted by Unknown in 1785.

Where can I see Monkey Picking Herbs?

Monkey Picking Herbs is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is Monkey Picking Herbs?

Monkey Picking Herbs is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Monkey Picking Herbs

Unknown , 1785

Monkey Picking Herbs is a watercolor work on paper by the Romanticist artist Unknown. It dates from 1785 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

Monkey Picking Herbs is a watercolour painting created in 1785 by an unknown artist. It is part of a series depicting the cultivation and preparation of tea.

Subject & Meaning

The painting shows trained monkeys gathering herbs on a rocky outcrop, supervised by three people. The scene is fantastical, yet rendered in a naturalistic style, with attention to detail in the monkeys' fur and facial expressions.

Technique & Style

The work is characterised by soft colours, subtle use of light and shadow, and unconventional cloud formations, diverging from traditional Chinese artistic conventions.

History & Provenance

The painting was acquired from D. T. Thomson and entered the collection in 1898.