Chen Hongshou

Author: Chen Chuanxi Chen Hongshou
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-01-01
Features: Complete Collection of Famous Chinese Painters (Ancient Part). Chen Hongshou (1598–1652). Known as Zhanghou, styled Laolian, from Zhuji (now part of Zhejiang). A painter of the late Ming Dynasty. Initially studied painting under Lan Ying; later, as he grew older, he studied under Liu Zongzhou. He once painted in the imperial court before returning south. When Qing troops entered eastern Zhejiang, he became a monk at Yunmen Temple in Shaoxing for over a year; later, he took the name Huichi and was also known as Laochi. Skilled in figure painting, he drew inspiration from Li Gonglin, with figures of noble proportions and delicate, clear, and round clothing lines. In his later works, his compositions became exaggerated, breaking away from conventional norms. He also excelled in painting flowers, birds, grass, and insects, with fine lines and elegant colors; he was also proficient in landscape painting, which had a decorative quality. He illustrated works such as Water Margin Leaves, Antiquities Leaves, Nine Songs, and The Story of the Western Chamber. He was renowned alongside Cui Zizhong, earning the reputation of "Chen of the South and Cui of the North." He was also skilled in calligraphy and could compose poetry.