Landscapes in the styles of ancient masters

Wang Jian Chinese

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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.

Landscapes in the styles of ancient masters, Wang Jian (Chinese, 1609–1677/88), Album of eighteen leaves; ink and color on paper, China

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