View from the Keyin Pavilion on Paradise Mountain (detail), 1562
Wang Wen (1497-1576)
Chinese,
Ming dynasty Hand scroll; ink on coarsely woven silk
Founders Society Purchase, with funds from Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence P. Fisher, by exchange
1993.51

During Wang Wen's years as a scholar official in the provincial capital of Nanjing, he was influenced by the works of professional painters at court. After retirement, Wang painted the view from his pavilion atop Paradise Mountain at the confluence of tributaries to Lake Tai in Zhejiang Province. Although the brushwork and composition are akin to scholar painting, the unpretentious subject and playful execution are in keeping with professional painting.