Wang Jian's paintings exemplify the vision of a man steeped in tradition. A member of the educated elite, Wang enjoyed access to the region's numerous private collections as well as inheriting a rich assemblage of old masters from his grandfather Wang Shizhen (1526-1590). This firsthand knowledge of past masterpieces inspired Wang to follow the example of Dong Qichang (1555-1636) in seeking a personal artistic synthesis through the diligent study of "orthodox" models.This album is a virtuoso display of Wang Jian's command over his tradition. Each leaf recalls a specific past master, yet each presents a new solution in which the model is transformed by the smaller, album format as well as by Wang's distinctive brush mannerisms.
