Artwork
元 佚名 倣夏永 呂洞賓過岳陽樓 冊頁|明 佚名 呂洞賓過岳陽樓圖 冊頁|The Immortal Lü Dongbin Appearing over the Yueyang Pavilion
元 佚名 倣夏永 呂洞賓過岳陽樓 冊頁|明 佚名 呂洞賓過岳陽樓圖 冊頁|The Immortal Lü Dongbin Appearing over the Yueyang Pavilion is an ink painting. It dates from 1499 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The artwork titled "The Immortal Lü Dongbin Appearing over the Yueyang Pavilion" is an ink on silk painting, presented as an album leaf.
About this work
Overview
The artwork titled "The Immortal Lü Dongbin Appearing over the Yueyang Pavilion" is an ink on silk painting, presented as an album leaf.
The artwork titled "The Immortal Lü Dongbin Appearing over the Yueyang Pavilion" is an ink on silk painting, presented as an album leaf. Attributed to an anonymous artist from either the Yuan or Ming dynasty, this piece captures a serene landscape. It features a prominent pavilion nestled on a mountainside, above which a solitary, ethereal figure is depicted, suggesting a supernatural presence within the natural world.
Subject & Meaning
The painting illustrates the legendary figure of Lü Dongbin, one of the Eight Immortals in Daoist tradition, as he manifests above the historic Yueyang Pavilion. This iconic structure, situated by Dongting Lake, is a frequent subject in Chinese art and literature. The depiction of an immortal's appearance imbues the scene with spiritual significance, connecting the earthly realm with the celestial.
Technique & Style
Executed in ink on silk, the artwork employs a restrained aesthetic characterized by simple, clean lines. This minimalist approach contributes to the overall sense of tranquility that pervades the composition. The artist deliberately chose this understated style to evoke a feeling of calm, distinguishing it from more elaborate or densely populated narrative scenes common in other periods of Chinese painting.
History & Provenance
This album leaf is attributed to an anonymous painter, with its style suggesting an influence from artists like Xia Yong, and dating from either the Yuan or Ming dynasty. While specific historical details about its creation remain unrecorded, the artwork is now part of the collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it contributes to the institution's extensive holdings of Chinese painting.
Artist & collection
