Sheet 8 of figures for Chinese shadow puppets 1859

This sheet of figures for Chinese shadow puppets, designed by Juan Llorens in 1859, depicts various boats and figures, all rendered in silhouette. This type of artwork was popular in the 19th century, used to create shadow puppets for entertainment. The intricate details of the ships and figures, as well as the dynamic composition, would have been striking when projected as shadows. The inclusion of fish in the scene, a common motif in Chinese shadow puppetry, adds to the artwork's cultural significance. This sheet, now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection, showcases the rich history of shadow puppetry and provides a fascinating glimpse into the art form's visual language.