Flower and Bird
Zhang had a literati training in calligraphy, poetry and painting. He is best known for works like this one in the refined style of the early Qing bird-and-flower master Yün Shouping. Here Zhang takes delight in the cool elegance of autumn:
Such a nostalgic autumn view!
Nature's colors, more beautiful than spring.
A bird smiles at featherlike leaves.
I am moved to paint this for a young friend.
[Trans. adapted from Ellsworth et al., Later Chinese Painting]
Artwork Details
- 清 張熊 八哥秋葵圖 軸
- Title: Flower and Bird
- Artist: Zhang Xiong (Chinese, 1803–1886)
- Period: Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
- Date: dated 1878
- Culture: China
- Medium: Hanging scroll; ink and color on paper
- Dimensions: 57 1/4 x 15 9/16 in. (145.4 x 39.5 cm)
- Classification: Paintings
- Credit Line: Gift of Robert Hatfield Ellsworth, in memory of La Ferne Hatfield Ellsworth, 1986
- Object Number: 1986.267.38
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
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