Artwork

Landscape Album in Various Styles: Spring Plowing

Landscape Album in Various Styles: Spring Plowing, by Zha Shibiao, unspecified, 1684
Landscape Album in Various Styles: Spring Plowing, by Zha Shibiao, unspecified, 1684

Landscape Album in Various Styles: Spring Plowing is an unspecified painting by the Baroque artist Zha Shibiao. It dates from 1684 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

This style is interesting because it was painted when the artist was 68 years old, and it shows his skill in creating seasonal landscapes.

This painting shows a scene of spring plowing with a herdboy on a buffalo.
The artist used fresh colors and wet strokes to depict this typical scene of Jiangnan. This style is interesting because it was painted when the artist was 68 years old, and it shows his skill in creating seasonal landscapes.
You can learn more about this style by looking at the work of the artist: Zha Shibiao (Chinese, 1615–1698)

Overview

Landscape Album in Various Styles: Spring Plowing is a painting by Zha Shibiao, created at the age of 68. This work showcases a seasonal landscape from the Jiangnan region, specifically depicting a spring plowing scene with a herdboy on a buffalo.

Subject & Meaning

The painting captures a serene spring plowing scene, highlighting a typical Jiangnan landscape. The subject reflects the artist's connection to the region's everyday life, conveying a sense of tranquility and rural activity.

Technique & Style

Zha Shibiao employed fresh colors and wet brushstrokes to bring vibrancy to the scene. This technique, characteristic of his later work, emphasizes the natural beauty of the Jiangnan landscape.

History & Provenance

Created in Zha Shibiao's later career, this painting is part of an album featuring seasonal landscapes in various styles. Originally from Anhui, the artist's move to Yangzhou influenced his depiction of Jiangnan themes.

Context

As part of an album, 'Spring Plowing' is one of several scenes illustrating Jiangnan's seasons. Other depicted activities include boating to the Peach Blossom Spring, enjoying autumn leaves, and watching migrating birds from a boat.

Artist & collection

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.