Artwork

Picking Lotuses

Picking Lotuses, by Tang Yin, unspecified, 1520
Picking Lotuses, by Tang Yin, unspecified, 1520

Picking Lotuses is an unspecified painting by the Northern Renaissance artist Tang Yin. It dates from 1520 and is held in the collection of the National Palace Museum.

About this work

Overview

Picking Lotuses, a painting by Tang Yin from 1520, is part of the National Palace Museum's collection. It portrays a serene natural scene of figures gathering lotus flowers from a pond, set against a backdrop of mountains and trees.

Subject & Meaning

The painting captures a tranquil moment of people engaged in the traditional activity of lotus picking, dressed in customary Chinese attire. The composition conveys a sense of harmony between human figures and their natural surroundings.

Technique & Style

Characterized by delicate execution, the painting features soft brushstrokes and a muted color palette, contributing to its peaceful ambiance and emphasizing the beauty of the natural world.

History & Provenance

Created in 1520 by Tang Yin, the work is currently housed at the National Palace Museum, with no detailed provenance provided prior to its museum acquisition.

Context

Reflecting the artistic values of its time, Picking Lotuses embodies the traditional Chinese aesthetic of depicting serene, idyllic scenes that celebrate the interplay between nature and human presence.

Legacy

While specific influences or notable exhibitions are not detailed, the painting remains a representative example of Tang Yin's work and traditional Chinese painting techniques, offering insights into the era's artistic preferences.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Tang Yin

Artist

Tang Yin

Chinese, 1470–1524

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Palace Museum open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.