China Popular Itineraries |
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Wang Ximeng (in the Song Dynasty) : A Boundless View |
Wang Ximeng was born at the time of the reign of Song Zhezong. He was a painter of the North Song Dynasty. It is not clear when he was born and when he died. He had been a student of the Art Academy and most d his painting activities took place during the reign of Song Weizong. At the age of 18, in 1113, he accomplished the outstanding work A Boundless View, which is his only authenticated extant work. Even though the picture doesn't bear his seal, it still reveals by the postscript of Cai Jing at the bottom that it was Wang Ximeng himself who drew this picture.
As is indicated by the title of this painting, A Boundless View (picture No. 11, see p. 681) 1,183 long, presents a vast and majestic view of moun-tains and rivers. Chains of mountains, innumerable peaks and villages stand solemnly on the sides of the river, which winds its way endlessly to the hori-zon. The mountains and rivers keep attracting one's eyes alternatively, now vast and boundless, now twisting and turning. Over the mountains fly the waterfalls. Down the mountains one can find pathways leading to the tem-ples, manors, huts and tile-roofed houses with clusters of trees and bamboo all around. The picture is characterized by the prominence of blue and green col-ors and fine brushwork. In the strong but unified hue of blue and green, the clear and dim appearance of the mountains and rivers, the objects, distant and near, high and low, are all harmoniously expressed by use of balanced thick and thin, empty and solid technique. It's a view full of life and sunshine. In this huge 12-meter-long picture of landscape, Wang Ximeng, with astonishing talent and perseverance, reflects the typical aesthetic taste of the court. It is one of the finest works of the landscape painting in China. |
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