Artwork

明 董其昌 秋山圖 軸|Autumn Mountains

明    董其昌    秋山圖  軸|Autumn Mountains, by Dong Qichang, ink, 1595
明    董其昌    秋山圖  軸|Autumn Mountains, by Dong Qichang, ink, 1595

明 董其昌 秋山圖 軸|Autumn Mountains is an ink painting by the Ming dynasty painting artist Dong Qichang. It dates from 1595 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Accession no.
1989.363.101
Credit line
Bequest of John M. Crawford Jr., 1988

About this work

Subject & Meaning

Dong Qichang's Autumn Mountains, executed in 1595, is a landscape painting that depicts a mountainous terrain rendered in ink on paper.

Dong Qichang's Autumn Mountains, executed in 1595, is a landscape painting that depicts a mountainous terrain rendered in ink on paper. As a hanging scroll, the work focuses on the natural topography of mountains, serving as a quintessential example of the artist's engagement with the landscape genre. The title indicates a seasonal setting, implying the depiction of mountains during the autumn period.

While the composition centers on the physical representation of mountains, the work functions within the tradition of Chinese literati painting, where such natural forms often carry deeper aesthetic and philosophical significance. The piece represents the artist's approach to capturing the essence of nature through ink wash techniques, emphasizing the grandeur and structure of the mountain forms without the inclusion of human figures or architectural elements.

Technique & Style

The artwork titled "秋山圖 軸|Autumn Mountains" is executed in ink on paper as a hanging scroll, a format typical of Ming‑dynasty landscape painting. It belongs to the landscape genre and depicts a mountain, reflecting the artist’s use of ink wash to render atmospheric depth. Created in 1595 in China, the work is part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art collection, underscoring its provenance and institutional context.

The vertical composition of the hanging scroll enhances the expansive portrayal of the mountain scene, aligning with traditional Chinese landscape stylistic conventions.

History & Provenance

Created in 1595 by the Chinese artist Dong Qichang, this hanging scroll titled Autumn Mountains was executed in ink on paper. The work originates from China and is classified as a landscape painting depicting mountainous terrain. While specific details regarding its original commission or intermediate ownership history are not provided in the available records, the artwork is currently held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it remains located.

The piece represents a specific moment in the artist's career during the late sixteenth century, firmly dated to the year of its inception.

The hanging scroll titled Autumn Mountains, painted by Dong Qichang in 1595, is housed in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. The museum’s records identify it as part of their holdings, but they do not publish an explicit accession or inventory number for the piece. No exhibition history for this work is recorded in the sources consulted, indicating that it has not been featured in publicly listed exhibitions up to the present.

Overview

Authored by the influential Ming dynasty official, painter, and theorist Dong Qichang, "Autumn Mountains" was completed in 1595. This ink-on-paper hanging scroll presents a serene mountainous landscape, characteristic of the period's scholarly artistic output. The tall, narrow composition features layers of soft gray peaks partially obscured by curling mist, embodying the aesthetic principles of Ming painting.

Context

Created during the Ming dynasty, "Autumn Mountains" reflects the prevailing artistic philosophy among Chinese scholars of the era. Dong Qichang, a prominent figure who excelled as a painter, calligrapher, and art theorist, was instrumental in shaping these ideals. His work embodies the scholar-official's practice of integrating painting with calligraphy, viewing brushwork as a means of personal expression and intellectual exploration rather than mere depiction.

元  倪瓚 秋林野興圖 軸|Enjoying the Wilderness in an Autumn Grove
元 倪瓚 秋林野興圖 軸|Enjoying the Wilderness in an Autumn Grove, Ni Zan

Artist & collection

Portrait of Dong Qichang

Artist

Dong Qichang

Dong Qichang (Chinese: 董其昌; pinyin: Dǒng Qíchāng; Wade–Giles: Tung Ch'i-ch'ang; courtesy name Xuanzai (玄宰); 1555–1636) was a Chinese art theorist, calligrapher, painter, and politician of the later period of the Ming dynasty.

Frequently asked questions

Who painted 明 董其昌 秋山圖 軸|Autumn Mountains?

明 董其昌 秋山圖 軸|Autumn Mountains was painted by Dong Qichang in 1595.

Where can I see 明 董其昌 秋山圖 軸|Autumn Mountains?

明 董其昌 秋山圖 軸|Autumn Mountains is held by Metropolitan Museum of Art.

What movement is 明 董其昌 秋山圖 軸|Autumn Mountains?

明 董其昌 秋山圖 軸|Autumn Mountains is associated with Ming dynasty painting.