Scholar on a Rock
Ren Yi (Ren Bonian) (Chinese, 1840–1896)
Folding fan mounted as an album leaf; ink and color on paper; 7 1/2 x 21 3/16 in. (19.1 x 53.8 cm)
Inscribed by the artist
Gift of Robert Hatfield Ellsworth, in memory of La Ferne Hatfield Ellsworth, 1986 (1986.267.49)
Technical Glossary
Ren Yi (Ren Bonian) (Chinese, 1840–1896)
Folding fan mounted as an album leaf; ink and color on paper; 7 1/2 x 21 3/16 in. (19.1 x 53.8 cm)
Inscribed by the artist
Gift of Robert Hatfield Ellsworth, in memory of La Ferne Hatfield Ellsworth, 1986 (1986.267.49)
This fine example of Ren's figure style, with its patternized drapery lines and exaggerated forms, is based on that of Chen Hongshou (1598–1652), who was also an important model for Ren Yi's close mentors Ren Xun (1835–1893) and Ren Xiong (1820–1857). The scholar hunched over his book and the convoluted rock seem kindred spirits, complex and enduring.
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Related Index Terms
Artist
Material and Technique
- • Painting, Ink on Paper
- • Painting, Ink on Paper, East Asia
- • Painting, Ink on Paper, East Asia, China
Object
- • Fan
Subject Matter/Theme
- • Scholar
