Two Fan Leaves, anonymous, c. 1780

brush, l 270mm × s 550mm More details

The upper fan leaf is an ode to summer country life: haying is being done just outside the village limits. Two birds hovering around their nest flank this scene on the right. The hard work underlying the peaceful bucolic imagery is referred to by the beehive on the left, a prominent symbol of diligence. The lower fan leaf features putti offering flowers to a woman. This is flanked by two scenes of so-called chinoiserie, motifs inspired by Chinese art that were highly popular at the time.