Dense Woods and Misty Valleys after Huang Gongwang

This is an unusually wide hanging scroll showcasing a horizontal composition of a mountain scene. Wang Jian, born in Taicang and one of the Four Wangs, was known for his painting as well as being a great teacher who bridged the generations of artists in the 17^th and 18^th centuries. He taught two of the most significant Changshu-born artists, Wang Hui and Wu Li, both of whose styles are represented in this gallery. Here, Wang Jian’s painting refers to another work by Huang Gongwang. Adding rich layers of color in trees and rocks, the artist recreates the colorful appearance of Huang Gongwang’s work. Having discovered an abundance of umber pigment on Mt. Yu (located in Changshu), Huang Gongwang introduced the use of it in Chinese paintings to add subtle colors of yellows, browns, and oranges to autumn scenes. This material and coloring later became a preferred choice when artists painted autumn mountains and colored landscapes.