Who painted Xu Jingyang Moving His Family?

Xu Jingyang Moving His Family was painted by Cui Zizhong in 1644-01-01.

Where can I see Xu Jingyang Moving His Family?

Xu Jingyang Moving His Family is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Xu Jingyang Moving His Family?

Xu Jingyang Moving His Family is associated with Ming dynasty painting.

Artwork

Xu Jingyang Moving His Family

Cui Zizhong , 1644

Xu Jingyang Moving His Family is an unspecified painting by the Ming dynasty painting artist Cui Zizhong. It dates from 1644 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

History & Provenance

No specific details regarding the original commission or the intermediate ownership chain prior to its museum acquisition are provided in the available records.

Created in 1644 in China, this painting is attributed to the artist Cui Zizhong. While some internal records list the creator as an unidentified artist alongside Zizhong, external cataloging firmly assigns the work to Zizhong, who lived from 1574 to 1644. The piece, titled Xu Jingyang Moving His Family, entered the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it is held under the accession number 1961.90.

No specific details regarding the original commission or the intermediate ownership chain prior to its museum acquisition are provided in the available records.

The painting is held by the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it is recorded under accession number 1961.90.

Its earliest documented exhibition appears with the Cleveland Museum of Art in 1961, when the work was accessioned and displayed as part of the museum’s holdings.

Overview

"Xu Jingyang Moving His Family" is a painting by Cui Zizhong, completed in 1644. This work portrays a group of figures traversing a rugged, tree-filled terrain, suggesting a journey or relocation. It is currently part of the collection at The Cleveland Museum of Art.

The composition captures a moment of human activity set within a vast natural environment, characteristic of traditional Chinese landscape painting.

Subject & Meaning

The painting illustrates the narrative of Xu Jingyang, a historical figure, as he relocates his family. Dressed in traditional attire, the individuals are shown carrying their possessions and guiding animals, emphasizing the arduous nature of their journey. The scene unfolds against a backdrop of towering mountains and scattered buildings, situating the human endeavor within an expansive natural world. The depiction conveys a sense of movement and perseverance.

Technique & Style

Cui Zizhong employed a distinctive color palette in this work, utilizing a range of earth tones such as browns, tans, and grays. These muted hues contribute to a sense of depth and texture across the canvas. While restrained, the colors imbue the scene with a subtle warmth and vitality, enhancing the depiction of the landscape and its inhabitants. This approach creates a harmonious and contemplative visual experience, typical of the period's aesthetic.