Artwork

Rice Boat From Outside the River

Rice Boat From Outside the River, by Unknown, paint, 1810
Rice Boat From Outside the River, by Unknown, paint, 1810

Rice Boat From Outside the River is a paint painting by the Realist artist Unknown. It dates from 1810 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

Rice Boat From Outside the River is a painting from a set of 50 works depicting various boats on the Pearl River. The painting shows a rice-carrying vessel amidst other boats on the river.

Subject & Meaning

The boat is notable for transporting goods from other provinces, referred to by locals as 'outside the river'. The painting offers a glimpse into the river's busy scene, with numerous vessels of various sizes.

Technique & Style

The use of chiaroscuro, an artistic technique that uses strong contrasts between light and dark, is evident in this work. This style was employed in the creation of the painting, which was part of a mass-produced series of souvenir items.

History & Provenance

The painting is linked to Lord George Macartney, the first British ambassador to China, who described the Pearl River as being crowded with inhabited boats of all sizes.

Context

The set of 50 paintings, including Rice Boat From Outside the River, provides insight into the appearance and activity on the Pearl River during the period in which they were created.

Artist & collection

Artist

Unknown

entity whose identity is not known