Artwork

Desk Album: Flower and Bird Paintings

Desk Album: Flower and Bird Paintings, by Zhang Ruoai, unspecified, 1704
Desk Album: Flower and Bird Paintings, by Zhang Ruoai, unspecified, 1704

Desk Album: Flower and Bird Paintings is an unspecified painting by the Baroque artist Zhang Ruoai. It dates from 1704 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Desk Album: Flower and Bird Paintings, created circa 1704 by Zhang Ruoai, is a still life painting characterized by its serene depiction of natural elements. Now part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection, it showcases a harmonious arrangement of a bird, flowers, and foliage.

Subject & Meaning

The painting features a central bird with brown and white feathers perched on a curved, leafy branch amidst pink and white flowers. This composition conveys a sense of tranquility, reflecting traditional Chinese artistic themes that often emphasize harmony between nature and living creatures.

Technique & Style

Executed with bold yet restrained brushstrokes, the painting embodies a style rooted in traditional Chinese art. The palette, dominated by light green leaves, pink and white flowers, and the bird's muted plumage, contributes to an overall effect of simplicity and elegance.

History & Provenance

Created in approximately 1704, the artwork's history prior to its acquisition by The Cleveland Museum of Art is not detailed here. Its current residence in the museum ensures its preservation and public accessibility.

Artist & collection

Artist

Zhang Ruoai

Zhang Ruoai (1713–1746) was a Chinese artist.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.