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Lot Essay
In ancient China, nearly every Confucian scholar pondered the question of reclusion at one time or another. As a theme in literati painting, it has been almost ubiquitous. When viewing Verdant Valleys and Cold Streams, it is not difficult to recognize Wen Zhengming's apparent admiration for a reclusive life.
The painting has a balanced and coherent composition, in which viewers can easily distinguish the important components from minor ones. Although several towering, rustling pine trees occupy much of the foreground space, it is the two men on the bridge, placed almost in the middle, that attracts viewers. Their clothing and the painter's inscription informs the viewer that these men are scholars leading an idyllic life in the country. In the background a group of elegantly placed mountains reach towards the sky. Lofty but far from domineering, they add to the scene of a reclusive life, which Wen, whose brief career in politics was unsuccessful, sought to create.
In addition to being a visualisation of Wen's idealised lifestyle, Verdant Valleys and Cold Steams reflects his gentle and prudent character. The composition is harmonious, and the brushstrokes are refined and confident. By alternately using brushes with scant ink with ones filled with ink, the painter elegantly created well-outlined rocks and mountains with distinct bright areas and shadows. The seven-character poem inscribed in refined running-cursive script, which was clearly influenced by writing styles of the Jin and Tang dynasties, complements the painting. Dong Qichang's colophon on the mounting further enhances the value of this work
The painting has a balanced and coherent composition, in which viewers can easily distinguish the important components from minor ones. Although several towering, rustling pine trees occupy much of the foreground space, it is the two men on the bridge, placed almost in the middle, that attracts viewers. Their clothing and the painter's inscription informs the viewer that these men are scholars leading an idyllic life in the country. In the background a group of elegantly placed mountains reach towards the sky. Lofty but far from domineering, they add to the scene of a reclusive life, which Wen, whose brief career in politics was unsuccessful, sought to create.
In addition to being a visualisation of Wen's idealised lifestyle, Verdant Valleys and Cold Steams reflects his gentle and prudent character. The composition is harmonious, and the brushstrokes are refined and confident. By alternately using brushes with scant ink with ones filled with ink, the painter elegantly created well-outlined rocks and mountains with distinct bright areas and shadows. The seven-character poem inscribed in refined running-cursive script, which was clearly influenced by writing styles of the Jin and Tang dynasties, complements the painting. Dong Qichang's colophon on the mounting further enhances the value of this work