Li Yongchang
Pioneer of Xin'an School, elegant Yuan style
Li Yongchang(李永昌), styled Zhousheng(周生) and also known as Huanghai(黄海), was from Xiuning (sometimes recorded as Shexian), Anhui, during the late Ming and early Qing periods. He was skilled in calligraphy and painting, excelled in poetry, and was an expert in art collection. His calligraphy followed Dong Qichang, and in landscape painting, he drew inspiration from Yuan dynasty artists. Along with Cheng Jiasui, he co-founded the Tiandu School, and Gong Xian described him as "full of vigor and strength," with both of them being considered representatives of this school. His painting 'Landscape in the Style of Yuan Artists' combines the pima (hemp-fiber) and niumao (ox-hair) brush techniques. Li Yongchang studied Dong Yuan, Ju Ran, the 'Four Masters of Yuan,' and Shen Zhou, developing a simple, elegant, and lofty style of brushwork. He advocated the artistic idea of "entering painting through calligraphy." As a pioneer of the Xin'an Painting School, his artistic work promoted the Anhui art scene's admiration for Yuan styles, and his student Wang Zhirui continued his painting traditions. Surviving works include 'Landscape in the Style of Yuan Artists,' 'Spring Mountain Pavilion,' and 'Pine and Rock' scrolls. 'Spring Mountain Pavilion' is housed in the Anhui Museum, and the 'Pine and Rock' scroll is in the Palace Museum.