Landscapes in the styles of ancient masters

17th century

Not on view

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.

Artwork Details

Title: Landscapes in the styles of ancient masters
Artist: Wang Jian (Chinese, 1609–1677/88)
Period: Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
Date: 17th century
Culture: China
Medium: Album of eighteen leaves; ink and color on paper
Dimensions: 11 3/4 x 12 3/8 in. (29.8 x 31.4 cm)
Classification: Paintings
Credit Line: Edward Elliott Family Collection, Gift of Douglas Dillon Gift, 1989
Object Number: 1989.235.2a–u
Curatorial Department: Asian Art

More Artwork

By Wang Jian

In the same medium

From the same time and place

Lofty Scholar among Streams and Mountains, in the manner of Juran, Wang Jian Chinese, Hanging scroll; ink on paper, China — Lofty Scholar among Streams and Mountains, in the manner of Juran
Wang Jian
late 17th century

Dung-Chen, Brass, copper, cloisonné, Chinese — Dung-Chen
Chinese
1368–1644

Landscape, Ye Xin Chinese, Double album leaf from a collective album of twelve paintings and facing pages of calligraphy; ink and color on paper, China — Landscape
Ye Xin
datable to 1645–55

Landscape in the style of Huang Gongwang, Wang Jian Chinese, Hanging scroll; ink and color on paper, China — Landscape in the style of Huang Gongwang
Wang Jian
dated 1657

Pipa (琵琶 ), Wood, ivory, bone, silk, Chinese — Pipa (琵琶 )
Chinese
late 16th–early 17th century

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