Tao Yuanming Appreciating Chrysanthemums
Ni Tian
Description
Ni Tian
China, 1855–1919
Tao Yuanming Appreciating Chrysanthemums
Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
Late 19th century–early 20th century
Hanging scroll, ink and color on paper
Gift of Jung Ying Ts'ao, in honor of State Senator Jack Faxon, 1987/1.275
Early in his career Ni Tian became so impressed with the commercial success of the painter Ren Yi (1840–1896), that he adopted aspects of his style. In this painting, Ren’s swift and spontaneous brushwork is apparent in the bold strokes Ni Tian uses to depict the figures and pine trees.
The subject of the painting is the poet Tao Yuanming (372– 427), a government official who resigned his post to live as a recluse. He was known for cultivating chrysanthemums and is often shown with them. Here a young servant bears some of the flowers on his back, to the evident delight of the poet. The two pine trees framing the composition are metaphors for a scholar of integrity because they grow in harsh terrain and remain green throughout the winter.
Subject Matter:
Although Ni Tian began his artistic education in his hometown of Yangzhou, he enjoyed success as a professional painter in Shanghai. Impressed with the commercial success of Shanghai painter Ren Yi (1840-1896), he assimilated Ren’s spontaneous and robust brushwork with great dexterity. Ni’s flowing brushstroke is apparent in this affectionate depiction of one of China’s great poets Tao Yuanming (372–427) and a boy-servant bearing chrysanthemums on his back. Two pine trees dominate the composition, contributing to the elegance of the scroll. Tao Yuanming’s forward gaze and slightly hunched posture exhibit his full inner exhilaration from collecting chrysanthemums. The subtle smile on the poet’s face seems also to reflect a moment of transcendence.
Physical Description:
Pastoral poet Tao Yuanming (372–427) and a boy-servant bearing chrysanthemums on his back are shown. Two pine trees dominate the composition. Tao Yuanming’s forward gaze and slightly hunched posture exhibit his full inner exhilaration when chrysanthemums were collected. The subtle smile on the poet’s face seems also to reflect a moment of transcendence.
Has signature and seal of the artist
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