Artwork

Huizhou Boat

Huizhou Boat, by Unknown, paint, 1810
Huizhou Boat, by Unknown, paint, 1810

Huizhou Boat 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

This rectangular painting, part of a series of 50 sheets depicting various boats, showcases a serene nighttime scene of a ferry in operation.

Subject & Meaning

The boat, characterized by its semi-circular cabin and distinctive bow and stern, is shown navigating calm waters under the cover of night, reflecting the dense water traffic of a region like the Pearl River near Canton.

Technique & Style

The painting features a long, thin boat with a curved structure in the middle, covered with a net-like material, set against a light beige background that conveys a sense of peacefulness.

History & Provenance

Originally part of a larger folio that included an index page, this work is numbered 8655:18 within the series, indicating its place among the collection of boat illustrations produced as souvenir items.

Artist & collection

Artist

Unknown

entity whose identity is not known