Artwork
清 倣龔賢 雲山隱居圖 軸|Dwelling among mountains and clouds
清 倣龔賢 雲山隱居圖 軸|Dwelling among mountains and clouds is an ink painting by the Baroque artist Gong Xian. It dates from 1685 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
The title identifies the scene as 'Dwelling among mountains and clouds,' indicating a representation of seclusion within a natural, elevated environment.
Created in 1685, this hanging scroll depicts a mountainous landscape, consistent with the genre of landscape painting. The title identifies the scene as 'Dwelling among mountains and clouds,' indicating a representation of seclusion within a natural, elevated environment. Executed in the manner of the painter Gong Xian, the imagery of mountains serves as the primary subject, evoking themes of retreat and harmony with nature typical of the tradition.
The composition focuses on the mountain form itself, situated in China, to illustrate the concept of dwelling amidst clouds and peaks.
Technique & Style
The hanging scroll format identifies the work as a traditional Chinese support, with the painting executed in ink on paper. Created in 1685 in imitation of Gong Xian, the piece belongs to the landscape genre and portrays a solitary mountain. As part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection, the scroll's material consists of ink applied to a paper support, typical of Qing-era hanging scrolls.
The composition relies on atmospheric brushwork to suggest depth, while the stylistic handling of line and texture follows Gong Xian's characteristic approach to mountain scenery.
History & Provenance
The hanging scroll titled Dwelling among Mountains and Clouds was created in 1685. Executed in ink on paper, this landscape work depicts mountainous terrain and was produced in China. The piece is currently held within the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
As its title indicates ('in imitation of Gong Xian'), the work is a copy after the manner of Gong Xian rather than an autograph work by the master, and it is associated with the Qing dynasty. The date of 1685 marks its inception in the late seventeenth century. No details regarding specific commissioning patrons or the immediate chain of ownership prior to its arrival at the museum are recorded in the available sources.
The scroll remains housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The provided sources do not record a specific inventory or accession number, nor do they detail any specific exhibition history for the piece.
Overview
Dwelling among mountains and clouds (清 倣龔賢 雲山隱居圖 軸) is an ink-on-paper hanging scroll created by Gong Xian in 1685. This painting exemplifies the Qing dynasty painting movement, featuring a serene mountainous landscape. Gong Xian, also known by names such as Banqian and Yeyi, was a prominent figure of the Nanjing school and recognized as one of the Eight Masters of Jinling, active during the transition from the late Ming to the early Qing Dynasty.
Context
Gong Xian was a significant painter active during the tumultuous period marking the transition from the Ming to the Qing dynasties. He was a leading exponent of the Nanjing school and counted among the esteemed Eight Masters of Jinling. His artistic contributions were recognized alongside those of the poet and calligrapher Lu Qian.
This painting aligns with the Qing painting movement's stylistic preferences, particularly its emphasis on simplified forms to express profound, quiet moods.
Artist & collection
Artist
Gong Xian (simplified Chinese: 龚贤; traditional Chinese: 龔賢; pinyin: Gōng Xián; Wade–Giles: Kung Hsien; 1618–1689; the specific year of birth is disputed as early as 1617 or as late as 1620; born in Kunshan, Jiangsu) was…
