Lotus
Chen Hengke's masterpiece of design demonstrates the shift in the modern period away from calligraphic to graphic principles. Chen's painting frankly recalls Wu Changshi's numerous renderings of this subject, but strays from the firm, round brushwork that was the underpinning of Wu's work. Chen's dramatic composition groups the contrasting shapes into right angles along two edges of the picture, creating a tension that makes the unused space come alive. Trained in calligraphy since his youth and something of a prodigy, Chen demonstrates in his inscription the power of his calligraphic line to activate a three-dimensional space. Ultimately however, his inscription is subordinated to the surface design.
Artwork Details
- 清/現代 陳衡恪 紅荷圖 軸
- Title: Lotus
- Artist: Chen Hengke (Chinese, 1876–1923)
- Date: early 20th century
- Culture: China
- Medium: Hanging scroll; ink and color on paper
- Dimensions: 19 1/8 x 12 3/4 in. (48.6 x 32.4 cm)
- Classification: Paintings
- Credit Line: Gift of Robert Hatfield Ellsworth, in memory of La Ferne Hatfield Ellsworth, 1986
- Object Number: 1986.267.111
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
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Chen Hengke (Chinese, 1876–1923)
early 20th century
Chen Hengke (Chinese, 1876–1923)
likely 1923
Chen Hengke (Chinese, 1876–1923)
early 20th century
Chen Hengke (Chinese, 1876–1923)
undated
Chen Hengke (Chinese, 1876–1923)
dated 1920
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