Artwork

Yi luo lan

Yi luo lan, by Unknown, paint, 1780
Yi luo lan, by Unknown, paint, 1780

Yi luo lan is a paint painting by the Rococo painting artist Unknown. It dates from 1780 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

Yi luo lan is a rectangular watercolour painting created around 1780, characterized by subdued tones and delicate detail.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts two plants with broad green leaves and small, tulip-like red flowers, set against a backdrop of a rocky hill with tiny buildings in a grassy area. The artist's focus on the flowers' details suggests a botanical interest.

Technique & Style

The work is rendered in soft colors, with light greens and muted browns providing a subtle contrast to the bright red flowers. The artist's attention to detail, particularly in the flowers' petals, adds to the painting's quiet, contemplative atmosphere.

History & Provenance

The painting was acquired from E. Parsons and entered the collection in 1889, as documented in the Asia Department registers during a 2022 provenance research project.

Artist & collection

Artist

Unknown

entity whose identity is not known