“Lotus and Dragonfly,” created by Qi Baishi in 1953, is an exemplar of the ink and wash painting movement and belongs to the genre of flower painting. The artwork, executed with traditional Chinese ink techniques, captures a serene and naturalistic scene typical of its genre.
The artwork presents a minimalist composition, featuring a solitary lotus stem adorned with a pod, upon which a delicate dragonfly is perched. The artist employs simple, fluid brushstrokes to create the slender, elongated stem of the lotus, contrasting starkly with the intricate detailing of the pod. The dragonfly, rendered with ethereal wings and poised over the pod, offers a tranquil focal point. Subtle, wavy lines in the background mimic the gentle ripples of water, enhancing the naturalistic and serene theme of the piece. The calligraphy accompanying the painting, alongside the artist’s seal in red, further grounds the work in traditional Chinese artistic practices, showcasing Qi Baishi’s masterful control over both form and subtlety.
