Yuan Jiang, who was born in Yangzhou, first studied the paintings of Song masters, especially Guo Xi (circa 1001-1090), and later Qiu Ying (circa 1495-1552). He then worked as Gao Qipei's (1660-1734) assistant. Some records indicate that he served as a court artist in the 1720's. His later years were spent as a professional artist, traveling first to various patrons in the north before returning to Yangzhou.

Cao Yin, who served as a military official, was a talented poet and calligrapher. Wang Shu, a native of Jiangsu province, was an official, who passed the jinshi exam in 1712. He was an accomplished calligrapher and scholar of rubbings.