Who painted River and Mountain Landscape?

River and Mountain Landscape was painted by Xiang Shengmo in 1515.

Where can I see River and Mountain Landscape?

River and Mountain Landscape is held by Art Institute of Chicago.

What movement is River and Mountain Landscape?

River and Mountain Landscape is associated with Ming dynasty painting.

Artwork

River and Mountain Landscape

Xiang Shengmo , 1515

River and Mountain Landscape is an unspecified painting by the Ming dynasty painting artist Xiang Shengmo. It dates from 1515 and is held in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

About this work

Overview

River and Mountain Landscape, a 1515 ink painting by the Ming‑dynasty scholar‑artist Xiang Shengmo, is part of the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. The work presents a tranquil, atmospheric view of a river winding through a series of low hills, punctuated by a modest bridge and a cluster of distant structures.

Subject & Meaning

The composition depicts a serene rural setting where trees cling to craggy slopes and a narrow bridge spans the water, suggesting a quiet passage through nature. The receding mountains dissolve into mist, a visual device that conveys both the physical distance and a contemplative, almost poetic, sense of harmony between humanity and the landscape.

Technique & Style

Xiang employs a restrained palette of ink washes, allowing the brush to suggest texture rather than delineate detail. Loose, expressive strokes render bark, foliage, and water flow, while layered washes create atmospheric depth. The overall effect is one of simplicity enriched by subtle tonal variations, characteristic of literati painting that values suggestion over realism.

History & Provenance

The painting entered the Art Institute of Chicago’s collection in the 20th century, though the exact acquisition date and previous owners are not widely documented. Its presence in a major American museum reflects the growing appreciation for Chinese Ming‑period literati works among Western institutions.