Artwork
Lemur from Cochin
Lemur from Cochin is an unspecified painting by the Rococo painting artist Giuseppe Castiglione. It dates from 1761 and is held in the collection of the National Palace Museum.
About this work
Overview
Giuseppe Castiglione’s 1761 painting titled Lemur from Cochin is part of the collection at Taiwan’s National Palace Museum. The work presents a tranquil natural scene in which a lemur perches on a branch, gazing toward a delicate white blossom. The composition includes foliage, pink flowers, distant mountains and a low‑lying structure, all rendered in a restrained palette.
Subject & Meaning
The central figure is a lemur, rendered with a long, banded tail and attentive posture, suggesting a moment of quiet observation. The surrounding flora—green leaves, pink and white blossoms—creates a harmonious environment that emphasizes balance between animal and plant life, a theme often explored in 18th‑century court paintings that blended scientific interest with aesthetic contemplation.
Technique & Style
Castiglione employs fine, linear brushwork to delineate the lemur’s fur and the intricate details of the blossoms. Muted earth tones dominate, with subtle greens and browns establishing depth, while occasional pinks and whites provide visual accents. The overall effect is one of calm precision, reflecting the artist’s synthesis of European realism and Chinese decorative sensibility.
History & Provenance
Created in 1761 during Castiglione’s tenure at the Qing court, the painting later entered the holdings of the National Palace Museum, a repository for many works transferred from the former imperial collection. Its presence in the museum underscores the cross‑cultural exchange embodied in Castiglione’s oeuvre, bridging Western techniques with Eastern subject matter.
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