Landscape Album, 11 Leaves, P08
Ming dynasty master Dong Qichang paired this serene landscape with his own cursive script, embodying the 'literati' ideal where painting and calligraphy are inseparable. On the right, rolling mountains and sparse trees unfold in his signature dry, textured brushstrokes, prioritizing scholarly expression over realistic detail. The facing page reveals the 76-year-old artist reflecting on his five-decade journey of learning to paint, humbly noting that while his skills are still evolving, his artistic vision is long established. Dong was the ultimate art influencer of his time, famously categorizing painters into 'Northern' and 'Southern' schools, effectively shaping Chinese art theory for centuries.
Views: 10