Various Subjects
Pan Tianshou taught himself to paint using the Mustard Seed Garden Manual before receiving instruction in college from Li Shutong (Hongyi, 1880–1942), the pioneering teacher of Western-style painting. In 1925 Pan went to Shanghai, where he met Wu Changshi (1844–1927), who instructed him in seal- and clerical-script calligraphy. In 1928 Lin Fengmian (1900–1991) appointed Pan to the faculty of the newly founded Hangzhou Art Academy as professor of traditional painting. Pan remained at the academy for the rest of his life, serving as director from 1959 to 1971, when he was persecuted and died during the Cultural Revolution.
This handscroll exemplifies Pan's ability to create a formal language to express his emotions. Although his subject matter illustrates the traditional theme of the four seasons and his depictions recall the brush idioms of Ming and Qing scholar-artists, his exaggerated forms and angular calligraphy embody his fiercely independent spirit.
This handscroll exemplifies Pan's ability to create a formal language to express his emotions. Although his subject matter illustrates the traditional theme of the four seasons and his depictions recall the brush idioms of Ming and Qing scholar-artists, his exaggerated forms and angular calligraphy embody his fiercely independent spirit.
Artwork Details
- 近代 潘天壽 雜畫圖 手卷
- Title: Various Subjects
- Artist: Pan Tianshou (Chinese, 1897–1971)
- Date: dated 1959
- Culture: China
- Medium: Handscroll; ink on paper
- Dimensions: Image: 8 3/4 x 118 3/4 in. (22.2 x 301.6 cm)
Overall with mounting: 11 1/4 x 337 in. (28.6 x 856 cm) - Classification: Paintings
- Credit Line: Gift of Robert Hatfield Ellsworth, in memory of La Ferne Hatfield Ellsworth, 1986
- Object Number: 1986.267.315
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
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Pan Tianshou
dated 1945
Unidentified artist
Zhou Wenju
early 20th century
China
Stele: Song dynasty (960–1279), 960–68; rubbing: 20th century
Yi Yong-u (artist name: Mungno)
probably 1940s
Chae Yongsin (artist name: Seokji)
dated by inscription to 1924
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