Two Goats

Wang Zhen Chinese

Not on view

Wang Zhen's artistic training began under his father, who had a passion for painting. In 1882 Wang began to study formally; he was noticed by Ren Yi (1840–1895) and became his disciple. About 1914, shortly after Wu Changshi (1844–1927) arrived in Shanghai, Wang became his student. In spite of his travels to Japan and his exposure to Western culture, Wang did not adopt a Western-influenced style. He learned to master figural motifs and painterly effects from Ren Yi; from Wu Changshi he learned to practice a powerful calligraphic manner of brushwork.

Two Goats recalls Ren Yi's Three Goats painted in 1878. Using Wu Changshi's round brushwork, Wang transformed Ren's more realistic representation into calligraphic pattern.

Two Goats, Wang Zhen (Chinese, 1867–1938), Hanging scroll; ink and color on paper, China

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