Artwork
Cross-Water Ferry
Cross-Water Ferry is a paint painting by the Romanticist artist Unknown. It dates from 1810 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
Cross-Water Ferry is a painting from a series of 50 works depicting various boats on the Pearl River. The artwork showcases a common mode of transportation across the river.
Subject & Meaning
The painting features a cross-water ferry amidst numerous other vessels on the Pearl River, highlighting the river's busy maritime activity. The ferry was a typical means of crossing the river, reflecting the daily life and transportation needs of the local population.
Technique & Style
The use of chiaroscuro, an artistic technique that utilizes strong contrasts between light and dark, is evident in this painting. This style contributes to the visual representation of the scene, creating a sense of depth and dimensionality.
History & Provenance
The painting was part of a set of souvenir items mass-produced for travelers. Lord George Macartney, the first British ambassador to China, documented the Pearl River's bustling activity, noting the presence of various vessels and the dense population on the boats.
Artist & collection
Domestic Scene
Giacomo and Cardinal Marco, investing Andrea, Abbot of San Zeno, with his Benefice
The Nymph of Fontainebleau
Portrait of a Woman
Madonna and Child with Saints in the Enclosed Garden
Venus and Minerva
Family Group of Four on Sofa
Wall painting from Room H of the Villa of P. Fannius Synistor at Boscoreale
