Artwork
明/清 祁豸佳 山水 圖|Landscape with fisherman
明/清 祁豸佳 山水 圖|Landscape with fisherman is an ink painting by the Baroque artist Qi Zhijia. It dates from 1643 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Landscape with fisherman is an ink painting on paper by Qi Zhijia, created in 1643 during the transition between the Ming and Qing dynasties. Originally conceived as a folding fan, the artwork has since been mounted as an album leaf. It depicts a serene natural setting, characteristic of traditional Chinese landscape painting, inviting contemplation of its quiet scene.
Subject & Meaning
The scene evokes a sense of peaceful isolation, a common theme in East Asian landscape art that encourages introspection.
The composition unfolds across a curved surface, reflecting its origin as a fan. It presents a solitary boat gently resting by the shore of a winding river, which meanders through a sparse landscape. Bare trees and rocky hills define the terrain, contributing to an atmosphere of quietude. The scene evokes a sense of peaceful isolation, a common theme in East Asian landscape art that encourages introspection.
Technique & Style
Executed in ink on paper, the artwork demonstrates Qi Zhijia's command of monochrome painting. The artist primarily employed soft brown ink washes, punctuated by darker applications to create visual contrast and define forms. Varied brushwork is evident, with certain areas rendered with a rough, textured quality, while others exhibit smooth, flowing lines. This manipulation of ink and brush contributes to the depth and atmospheric quality of the landscape.
Artist & collection
