Artwork

Listening to the Sound of Autumn in a Misty Grove

Listening to the Sound of Autumn in a Misty Grove, by Zhang Feng, unspecified, 1657
Listening to the Sound of Autumn in a Misty Grove, by Zhang Feng, unspecified, 1657

Listening to the Sound of Autumn in a Misty Grove is an unspecified painting by the Baroque artist Zhang Feng. It dates from 1657 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Listening to the Sound of Autumn in a Misty Grove is a painting by Zhang Feng, created during a period of significant turmoil in Chinese history.

Subject & Meaning

The scroll depicts a solitary figure in a desolate, mist-shrouded landscape, evoking a sense of isolation and contemplation. The artist's use of red strokes to subtly color the grounds is a nuanced expression of his loyalty to the fallen Ming dynasty, as 'Zhu,' the imperial family name, means 'red'.

Technique & Style

Zhang Feng's work is characterized by a mastery of subtle coloration and atmospheric effect, achieved through the use of delicate brushstrokes and layered washes. The soft, hazy quality of the landscape is reminiscent of techniques used to create depth and mood in traditional Chinese painting.

History & Provenance

Zhang Feng, from Nanjing, was a loyalist who refused to serve the new Manchu regime after the fall of the Ming dynasty. He adopted a simple, Buddhist-inspired lifestyle, and his art often lamented the loss of the empire.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Zhang Feng

Artist

Zhang Feng

Chinese, active ca. 1628–1662

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