Letter to the artist’s father-in-law, Wu Yu
In the mid-sixteenth century, Wen Zhengming dominated the cultural life of Suzhou with his significant talents in poetry, painting, and calligraphy. This letter shows a different side of Wen, when he was young and his star was still on the rise. Writing in his mid-thirties to his father-in-law, he assumes the tone not of a leading cultural figure but a deferential and respectful junior. The fancy stationery with plum blossom design is another sign that Wen wanted his letter to make a good impression.
Artwork Details
- 明 文徵明 致丈人吳愈書 冊頁
- Title: Letter to the artist’s father-in-law, Wu Yu
- Artist: Wen Zhengming (Chinese, 1470–1559)
- Period: Ming dynasty (1368–1644)
- Date: datable to 1506–10
- Culture: China
- Medium: Album leaf; ink on patterned paper
- Dimensions: 9 x 12 1/8 in. (22.9 x 30.8 cm)
- Classification: Calligraphy
- Credit Line: Bequest of John M. Crawford Jr., 1988
- Object Number: 1989.363.59
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
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Wen Zhengming
dated 1543
Wen Zhengming
ca. 1540
Multiple artists/makers
Wen Zhengming
mid-16th century
Wen Zhengming
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