Artwork

Lady playing on a vina

Lady playing on a vina, by Unknown, paint, 1720
Lady playing on a vina, by Unknown, paint, 1720

Lady playing on a vina is a paint painting by the Baroque artist Unknown. It dates from 1720 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

This 1720 opaque watercolour on paper, attributed to an unknown artist, depicts a serene scene of a woman playing a musical instrument, accompanied by a deer, set beneath a natural canopy.

Subject & Meaning

The subject is a seated woman playing a tall, drum-like vina. Her calm, intent posture and the deer's gentle, observant stance convey a sense of peaceful coexistence between human and nature.

Technique & Style

Executed in opaque watercolour on paper, the work features vivid colors and dramatic composition, characteristic of the artistic tendencies of its time. The natural elements above the woman serve as a framing device.

History & Provenance

Attributed to an unknown artist, the painting's specific origins and ownership history prior to its current location are not detailed in available information.

Context

Created during a period when artists often juxtaposed vibrant hues with dynamic scenes, this piece reflects the aesthetic preferences of its era, though its serene subject sets it apart.

Legacy

The painting is part of a collection accessible to the public, with similar works viewable at the Victoria and Albert Museum, contributing to the broader appreciation of early 18th-century artistic practices.

Artist & collection

Artist

Unknown

entity whose identity is not known