Who painted Album of Seasonal Landscapes, Leaf F (previous leaf 5)?

Album of Seasonal Landscapes, Leaf F (previous leaf 5) was painted by Xiao Yuncong in 1668.

Where can I see Album of Seasonal Landscapes, Leaf F (previous leaf 5)?

Album of Seasonal Landscapes, Leaf F (previous leaf 5) is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Album of Seasonal Landscapes, Leaf F (previous leaf 5)?

Album of Seasonal Landscapes, Leaf F (previous leaf 5) is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

Album of Seasonal Landscapes, Leaf F (previous leaf 5)

Xiao Yuncong , 1668

Album of Seasonal Landscapes, Leaf F (previous leaf 5) is an unspecified painting by the Baroque artist Xiao Yuncong. It dates from 1668 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

You see a small mountain scene in soft ink and pale colors: mist curls between peaks, a tiny boat drifts on a river, and a few bare trees stand on a slope.

You see a small mountain scene in soft ink and pale colors: mist curls between peaks, a tiny boat drifts on a river, and a few bare trees stand on a slope.

Xiao Yuncong painted this leaf in an album that shows each season. He worked near Nanjing, where rivers and hills shaped his view. The light colors feel fresh, almost like watercolor, even though we don’t know what medium he used.

If you like this quiet mood, look up the subject “china, qing dynasty (1644–1911).”

Overview

This leaf from Xiao Yuncong’s Album of Seasonal Landscapes presents a modest mountain scene rendered in delicate ink and pale washes. Mist drifts among low peaks, a solitary boat glides on a river, and sparse trees cling to a gentle slope, creating a tranquil atmosphere that reflects the artist’s observation of the Jiangnan countryside.

Subject & Meaning

The composition captures a fleeting moment of a riverine landscape, emphasizing the transitory qualities of mist and water. By situating a lone vessel within the broader terrain, Xiao suggests the harmony between human activity and the natural cycles that define each season.

Technique & Style

Executed with soft ink lines and light, almost watercolor-like pigments, the work displays Xiao’s characteristic use of fresh, airy tones. His background as a print designer informs the precise yet fluid brushwork, while the subtle gradations of mist and foliage convey depth without heavy detailing.

History & Provenance

The leaf originally belonged to the collection of Li Yufen in Yangzhou before passing to the Shanghai collector Wu Hufan. Xiao’s personal seal appears beneath his poetic inscriptions in the upper area, whereas the red seals on the margins and lower corners are later impressions added by these owners.

Context

Xiao Yuncong’s career was closely tied to the Jiangnan region, particularly Nanjing and Yangzhou, whose rivers and hills provided the visual vocabulary for his seasonal series. His approach to color and atmosphere anticipated the lighter palette later associated with the Shanghai school of painting.