Who painted One of four natural-history drawings.?

One of four natural-history drawings. was painted by Unknown in 1800.

Where can I see One of four natural-history drawings.?

One of four natural-history drawings. is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is One of four natural-history drawings.?

One of four natural-history drawings. is associated with Naïve art.

Artwork

One of four natural-history drawings.

Unknown , 1800

One of four natural-history drawings. is a paint painting by the Naïve art artist Unknown. It dates from 1800 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This watercolor painting is one of a series of natural-history drawings created around 1800 for British officials in Malacca, Malaysia.

About this work

Local Chinese artists were hired to record local plants and animals for curious British collectors.

This is a sharp watercolor of two land crabs in profile. Their dark shells and orange claws stand out against a plain white background. The artist used fine lines to show the crabs’ legs and eyes.

This drawing comes from an album made for British officials in Malacca around 1800. Local Chinese artists were hired to record local plants and animals for curious British collectors. The crabs were probably Cardisoma hirtipes, a real species still found in Malaysia.

Look for similar work at the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Overview

This watercolor painting is one of a series of natural-history drawings created around 1800 for British officials in Malacca, Malaysia.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts two land crabs, likely Cardisoma hirtipes, shown in profile against a plain white background. Their dark shells and orange claws are prominent, with fine lines used to detail their legs and eyes.

Technique & Style

Executed in watercolor, the work is characterized by its sharp rendering and attention to detail, reflecting the artist's skill in capturing the crabs' anatomy.

History & Provenance

Originally part of an album of 19 natural-history pictures, this drawing was collected by Lord Clive, 1st Earl of Powis, during his tenure as Governor of Madras from 1798 to 1803. Four of the album's paintings, including this one, are now held by the V&A.