Who painted Painting of One Hundred Themes (obverse)?

Painting of One Hundred Themes (obverse) was painted by Unknown in 1804.

Where can I see Painting of One Hundred Themes (obverse)?

Painting of One Hundred Themes (obverse) is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Painting of One Hundred Themes (obverse)?

Painting of One Hundred Themes (obverse) is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Painting of One Hundred Themes (obverse)

Unknown , 1804

Painting of One Hundred Themes (obverse) is an unspecified painting by the Impressionist artist Unknown. It dates from 1804 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Accession no.: 1998.286.a
Credit line: Bequest of Gordon K. Mott

About this work

You see a folding screen covered in tiny paintings, birds, flowers, mountains, and people, all crammed together like a visual scrapbook.

You see a folding screen covered in tiny paintings, birds, flowers, mountains, and people, all crammed together like a visual scrapbook.

This wasn’t made by one artist. Over 50 painters worked on it, each copying a different style. The other side has poems about seasons, so you could flip it to read or look. It’s like a two-for-one art book from the Joseon Dynasty.

If you like this, look up more about Korea, Joseon dynasty (1392–1910).

Overview

This folding screen is a multifaceted artwork featuring numerous small paintings on one side and calligraphic poems on the other, exemplifying a format commonly used in Korean art.

Subject & Meaning

The screen's obverse side comprises a diverse array of subjects, including bird-and-flower, landscape, and figural scenes, while the reverse side features Chinese poems about the four seasons, highlighting the changing cycles of nature.

Technique & Style

Executed by over 50 artists, the screen showcases a wide range of brush manners and styles, demonstrating the artistic diversity of the period.

History & Provenance

Dating back to the Joseon Dynasty, which spanned from 1392 to 1910, this screen is a representative example of the era's artistic production and cultural values.