Who painted Merchant?

Merchant was painted by Unknown in 1795.

Where can I see Merchant?

Merchant is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is Merchant?

Merchant is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Merchant

Unknown , 1795

Merchant is a paint painting by the Romanticist artist Unknown. It dates from 1795 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

This portrait painting features a solitary figure set against a plain white background, distinguished by a navy blue outfit adorned with gold buttons and a distinctive red and black hat.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, a man with attire suggestive of a specific cultural or social role, is depicted in a contemplative pose, with his left hand tucked into his coat and his right hand extended before him. The inscription above, translating to 'A Guest to Canton Newly Arrived', provides contextual clues to his identity or situation.

Technique & Style

The artist employs a restrained color palette and thoughtful composition to achieve a sense of depth and dimensionality. While the style bears some resemblance to Romanticism's emphasis on individuality, the overall approach remains observant and detailed, focusing on the subject's attire and demeanor.

History & Provenance

This painting is one of 28 in an album documenting various Chinese professions and officials' costumes, acquired by the collection from E. Parsons & Sons in 1898.