Artwork
Flowers of the Four Seasons 四季花卉圖
Flowers of the Four Seasons 四季花卉圖 is an ink painting by the Ming dynasty painting artist Chen Jiayan. It dates from 1599 and is held in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.
About this work
Overview
This handscroll painting, executed in ink on paper, depicts a sequence of flowers and plants across the four seasons in a soft, monochromatic style.
Subject & Meaning
The flowers are carefully selected for their symbolic meanings and are arranged to convey the passage of time. Certain combinations, such as the white magnolia and crab apple, form a rebus alluding to 'wealth and rank in the Jade Hall,' a reference to the prestigious Hanlin Academy.
Technique & Style
The artist employs a softly monochromatic aesthetic, using varying shades of ink to create a nuanced and subtle representation of the flowers and plants.
Artist & collection
