Complete Collection of Paintings and Calligraphy by the Yangzhou School: Wang Shishen

Author: Wang Shishen
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2000-01-01
Features: Wang Shishen achieved high accomplishments in poetry, calligraphy, painting, and seal carving. Unfortunately, he did not receive fair treatment in Yangzhou during his time. Modern scholars often describe the "Eight ()" as painters of the same social class, unaware that among them, there were differences in status and wealth. For example, Bianqiao passed the imperial examination, Li not only passed the provincial examination but also served in the imperial court, and Jinong was recommended for the title of "" (learned and eloquent). Several of the "Eight ()" painters, such as Bianqiao, Li, Li Fangying, and Gao Fenghan, even held the position of a seventh-rank county magistrate, allowing them to participate in the literary and drinking gatherings of Lu Yayu, the salt transport commissioner of Lianghuai. Wang Shishen, however, could only associate with the Ma family of salt merchants and primarily remained in the middle and lower strata of society. After losing his sight, he vanished into obscurity, and it was only three years after his death that Jinong and Bianqiao mentioned him when inscribing his works. The cruelty of society is tragic and lamentable! Yet, the surviving plum blossom works he left behind remain dazzling and captivating, praised by those who appreciate his art.