Scholar at His Waterside Retreat, c. 1700
Lu Weiexpand_more
Ink and color on silkexpand_more
Gift of funds from Joan Wurteleexpand_more 96.119
Not on Viewexpand_more
The late 17th century artist Lu Wei is traditionally grouped with the Yunjian school of painting which was located in the prosperous Songjiang district of Jiangsu province. While this professional painting displays little of the ink landscape theory espoused by orthodox Songjiang artists like Dong Qichang traits of the school recognizable in this work by Lu Riwei include a soft treatment of forms, deft brushwork and, on occasion, surprising illusionism.
A solitary scholar stares out from his pavilion apparently unaware of the large, strongly shaped trees behind him or the huge rock seeming to levitate over water in the lower right. Lu Riwei's distortion of space and use of eccentric forms makes no reference to past painting styles nor do they conform to the literati ideals of the Yunjian school. The painting would have been appreciated precisely for its eccentricity. Large in scale, deftly painted and compositionally engaging, it most likely would have appealed to a member of the merchant class for use in a public space within his home.
Details
- Title
- Scholar at His Waterside Retreat
- Artist Life
- died 1716
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 96.119
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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