Paintings after Ancient Masters: Chrysanthemum
1625
unspecified
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
About the artist
1625
unspecified
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
Paintings after Ancient Masters: Chrysanthemum is a 1625 unspecified by Chen Hongshou, a Ming Painting work, held at Cleveland Museum of Art.
A single chrysanthemum blooms in a simple ceramic vase. The flower leans slightly, its many petals carefully drawn, against a plain background. The painting honors Tao Yuanming, a poet who chose a quiet life over politics. Chen Hongshou painted this during a time of war and change, linking his own struggles to Tao’s story. This work reflects a deep respect for nature and personal choice. For more on art from this era, look up the subject: china, ming dynasty (1368–1644). (Word count: 98)
Poet Tao Yuanming (365–427 CE) turned down a career as an official in politically turbulent times to return to his home estate, northwest of Mount Lu, to write poetry and enjoy his garden and wine. As he grew chrysanthemums, Tao is associated with this flower. The artist Chen Hongshou, active in Zhejiang province, suffered through the violent transition from the Ming to the Qing dynasty around 1644. This painting of chrysanthemums alludes to the poet who lived a millennium earlier during similarly fraught times.
Read the full account in the museum source.
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