Complete Collection of Chinese Painting (18) Ming Dynasty. Volume 9

Author: None
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2000-09-01
Features: This volume includes works by four painters and ninety-nine pieces. By the late Ming Dynasty, Xiang Shengmo, born into a family of collectors, pioneered the [Jiayu Painting School]. His artistic characteristics can be summarized in three phrases: [The Donghu of Painting History], [Learning from the Song Dynasty in technique and from the Yuan Dynasty in charm], and [Earthly and Literary Styles are Equally Valued]. This means his works possess a strong sense of national sorrow, rigorous realism, and rich brushwork charm. In the final chapter of Ming Dynasty painting history, figure painting should be highlighted. Chen Hongshou from Zhejiang not only learned from ancient masters and contemporary peers but also drew inspiration from folk woodblock prints, even participating in the creation of woodcut illustrations and wine leaves. Thus, he formed a [High, Ancient, and Strange] style, which had a significant influence on later generations. Cui Zizhong, who resided in Beijing, also traced the methods of ancient masters, creating figures with [Unique and Ancient Faces], [Neither Tang nor Song, yet forming its own style], sharing with Chen Hongshou the artistic characteristics of [Seeking the Ancient and Striving for the Strange] and [Majestic and Extraordinary]. However, his painting style leaned toward literati painting, possessing a transcendent and lofty quality. Therefore, both achieved [Southern Chen and Northern Cui], gaining fame in the history of painting.