An Exceptional Pair of 18th Century Chinese Export Reverse Mirror Paintings on Glass 5908 308 European art; part 1

The presented pair of paintings showcases a distinctive blend of European portraiture and Chinese artistic conventions. Each work depicts a woman in a formal pose against a backdrop of lush foliage, suggesting a deliberate integration of Western aesthetic ideals with Eastern landscape motifs.
Here we see two portraits rendered on glass, exhibiting the characteristic qualities of reverse painting – the image is applied to the side facing the viewer, creating a unique luminosity and depth. The women are portrayed with pale complexions and elaborate hairstyles typical of European fashion during the 18th century. Their attire, featuring blue jackets over white blouses and red accents, further reinforces this cultural context. Each woman holds an object – one a small fan, the other a basket – which contributes to their contemplative demeanor and adds a touch of domesticity to the scene.
The background is dominated by dense bamboo groves and interspersed with vibrant birds, elements drawn from traditional Chinese landscape painting. The treatment of the foliage is stylized rather than naturalistic, employing a limited palette of greens and blues that create an atmospheric perspective. This juxtaposition of European portraiture and Chinese landscape creates a visual tension – a dialogue between two distinct artistic traditions.
The subtexts within these paintings are multifaceted. They likely served as decorative objects intended for export to European markets, demonstrating the demand for exotic goods during this period. The inclusion of Western figures within a Chinese setting could be interpreted as an expression of cultural fascination and appropriation. Furthermore, the women’s poses and expressions suggest a certain degree of refinement and status – they are presented as individuals worthy of representation, embodying ideals of beauty and grace.
The pairing itself is significant; their visual similarities – identical pose, attire, background elements – imply they were intended to be viewed together, perhaps representing a couple or sisters. The gilded frames enhance the perceived value and elegance of these works, further emphasizing their status as luxury items.