River landscape in the style of Huang Gongwang

Maker(s)
Artist: Wang Yuanqi (1642-1715)
Historical period(s)
Qing dynasty, 1706
Medium
Hanging scroll mounted on panel; ink and color on paper
Dimensions
H x W (image): 98.7 x 59.7 cm (38 7/8 x 23 1/2 in)
Geography
China
Credit Line
Purchase — Charles Lang Freer Endowment
Collection
Freer Gallery of Art
Accession Number
F1962.5
On View Location
Currently not on view
Classification(s)
Painting
Type

Hanging scroll (mounted on panel)

Keywords
China, landscape, Qing dynasty (1644 - 1911), river
Provenance
Provenance research underway.
Label

Known as one of the Six Masters of the Early Qing Dynasty, Wang Yuanqi was a scholar and official as well as a painter.  His works reveal a highly analytical approach to the interpretation of past traditions, and he is known for his distinct personal style. For example, Wang Yuanqi states in his inscription that the works of Huang Gongwang (1269-1354) of the Yuan dynasty served as the model for this painting.  But while an occasional motif may bring the style of this earlier master to mind, the painstakingly assembled composition, built up from innumerable borrowed elements, is ultimately Wang Yuanqi's own creation.  The artist painted this scroll in 1706 for one of his colleagues at the imperial court.

Published References
  • Suzuki Kei. Chugoku kaiga sogo zuroku [Comprehensive Illustrated Catalog of Chinese Painting]. 5 vols., Tokyo, 1982-1983. vol. 1: p. 249.
  • Victoria Contag. Chinese Masters of the 17th Century. Rutland, Vermont. pl. 13.
  • Dr. John Alexander Pope, Thomas Lawton, Harold P. Stern. The Freer Gallery of Art. 2 vols., Washington and Tokyo, 1971-1972. cat. 58, vol. 1: p. 164.
  • Kathleen Yang. Through a Chinese Connoisseur's Eye: Private Notes of C.C. Wang. Beijing. p.339, fig.121.
Collection Area(s)
Chinese Art
Web Resources
Google Cultural Institute
SI Usage Statement

Usage Conditions Apply

There are restrictions for re-using this image. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page.

The information presented on this website may be revised and updated at any time as ongoing research progresses or as otherwise warranted. Pending any such revisions and updates, information on this site may be incomplete or inaccurate or may contain typographical errors. Neither the Smithsonian nor its regents, officers, employees, or agents make any representations about the accuracy, reliability, completeness, or timeliness of the information on the site. Use this site and the information provided on it subject to your own judgment. The Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery welcome information that would augment or clarify the ownership history of objects in their collections.

citation | Save this image How to download an image | Request Permission | Terms of Use