Woman in a garden

Attributed to Ren Xiong Chinese

Not on view

During his tragically short life, Ren Xiong produced some of the most striking and innovative paintings of the nineteenth century. In this image of a dignified woman sitting in a garden, the contrast between the broad strokes used for the setting and the meticulous treatment of the face creates an eerie effect, imparting an unsettling vitality to the figure. Ren’s paintings often reveal an interest in patterning, such as the swirls on the mat that covers the rock. Few paintings by the artist survive, but he was much admired and emulated; this might be by a follower of the next generation.

Woman in a garden, Attributed to Ren Xiong (Chinese, 1823–1857), Hanging scroll; ink and color on silk, China

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