To Honor Old Masters - A leading scholar-painter of the Ming Dynasty - Shen Zhou

Hello Dear Steemit Friends ! Today I would like to present you Shen Zhou ( 1427-1509 ), a native of Suzhou, a pioneer and leader of the Suzhou school. He was well learned on account of his family background, especially in poetry in which he distinguished himself at an early age. In painting he was basically a landscapist, though he was also proficient in the painting of flowers and birds.

'' Lotus Flower and Pod '', Indianapolis Museum of Art , Image Source

'' Lofty Mount Lu '', Hanging scroll, ink and color on paper , National Palace Museum Taipei , Image Source

In the painting of landscapes , Zhou stressed simplicity, naturalness, and honesty, and each dot or stroke that came down had to look extemporaneous. The result was a painting of ageless vigor and universal appeal. In composition, however, he did not go for the spectacular. He was more interested in the creation of a poetic atmosphere.

'' Wind and Snow at the Ba Bridge '', Hanging scroll, ink and light color on paper , Tianjin Museum , Image Source

'' Bidding Farewell at the Tiger Hill '', Handscroll, ink and color on paper , Image Source

We cannot separate Shen Zhou's painting style from his personality. He loved the arts, and he loved Suzhou, his hometown. He had no desire to socialize with the powerful and the mighty, nor did he ever wish to become a government official. Throughout his life, he led the life of a simple artist. He was never too proud to learn from those better than he was, nor was he too lofty to teach those who wished to learn from him. He was accessible even to the humblest, such as peasants and vendors who had come to request his paintings. He was well loved by all.

'' Chanting Poems in Leisure Among Pines '', ink on paper , Image Source

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