Drunk in Autumn Woods
Exploring the theme of intoxication, Shitao makes us reel with the unsteadiness of his figures and landscape. He probably created this picture to commemorate an autumn outing in the hills with friends. The three inscriptions testify to the pleasure and pride that Shitao took in his achievement; they make it clear that the exhilaration experienced by the friends was inspired by nature, poetry, conviviality, and creativity as well as wine.
In an instant, mists and clouds can return to their
primeval form;
Red trees fill the skies, spreading fire through
the heavens.
I invite you, sir, to get very drunk on my black
brushstrokes;
Lie down and watch the frosted forest as falling
leaves swirl.
In an instant, mists and clouds can return to their
primeval form;
Red trees fill the skies, spreading fire through
the heavens.
I invite you, sir, to get very drunk on my black
brushstrokes;
Lie down and watch the frosted forest as falling
leaves swirl.
Artwork Details
- 清 石濤 (朱若極) 秋林人醉圖 軸
- Title: Drunk in Autumn Woods
- Artist: Shitao (Zhu Ruoji) (Chinese, 1642–1707)
- Period: Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
- Date: ca. 1702
- Culture: China
- Medium: Hanging scroll; ink and color on paper
- Dimensions: Image: 63 3/8 × 27 3/4 in. (161 × 70.5 cm)
Overall with mounting: 8 ft. 11 1/2 in. × 33 3/8 in. (273.1 × 84.8 cm)
Overall with knobs: 8 ft. 11 1/2 in. × 36 7/8 in. (273.1 × 93.7 cm) - Classification: Paintings
- Credit Line: Gift of John M. Crawford Jr., 1987
- Object Number: 1987.202
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
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