Deep Fragrance in the Valley of the Void, c. 1530
Chen Chunexpand_more
Ink on gold-flecked paperexpand_more
Gift of Ruth and Bruce Daytonexpand_more 96.30.2
On View in Gallery 203expand_more
Chen Chun (who was also called Chen Daofu) was regarded by many as the Ming dynasty's best classic flower painter, but he was also a landscape painter and leading calligrapher. A member of the Suzhou Wu school and elite circle of Wen Zhengming (1470-1559), Chen was a follower of Shen Zhou (1427-1509), founder of the Wu school. Chen painted many flower studies; his best are virtuoso ink performances.
Chen signed this painting with the seal “Daofu,” an alternate name. The work also bears three collections seals of the Qianlong emperor (who reigned from 1736-1795). The inscription on the paper mount is by a relative of Puyi, the last emperor of China. Typical of laudatory colophons, it reads:
Baiyang Shanren (Chen Chun) expressionistic
flower paintings created a unique style
The patriarch of flower paintings in the Ming
His brushwork is sparing and graceful,
succinct in form and rich in content;
Its meaning goes beyond the imagery,
these are true masterpieces.
Spring 1783
Details
- Title
- Deep Fragrance in the Valley of the Void
- Artist Life
- 1483 - 1544
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 96.30.2
- 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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