Pine tree and rock
Tang Di Chinese
Not on view
Tang Di, a native of Wujin (Jiangsu province), was the great-grandson of the renowned scholar-painter Tang Yifen (1778–1853). Though accomplished in painting, calligraphy, and poetry, he prided himself most on his knowledge of physiognomy. In Beijing, where he lived for many years, he was active as a teacher as well as an artist. This work dates to that period of his life.
The painting features a powerfully posturing pine. A moss-covered rock, leaning to the left, offers a counter-thrust to the rightward leaning tree. In Chinese culture, the pine is revered as the gentleman of trees. It remains green regardless of climatic variations. Constant and lofty, it differs from all other beings around it, yet lives in harmony with them.
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