Artwork

清 龔賢 山水圖 冊|Landscapes and trees

清   龔賢   山水圖  冊|Landscapes and trees, by Gong Xian, ink, 1679
清   龔賢   山水圖  冊|Landscapes and trees, by Gong Xian, ink, 1679

清 龔賢 山水圖 冊|Landscapes and trees is an ink painting by the Baroque artist Gong Xian. It dates from 1679 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Subject & Meaning

Its iconography follows the established motif of natural scenery that symbolizes stability and scholarly retreat, a common theme in Chinese painting of the era.

The work is a Qing‑period album leaf in which Gong Xian renders a traditional Chinese landscape dominated by trees and rolling terrain. Its iconography follows the established motif of natural scenery that symbolizes stability and scholarly retreat, a common theme in Chinese painting of the era. As a landscape painting held in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the piece exemplifies the artist’s role in preserving the literati aesthetic and conveys a contemplative relationship between humanity and the natural world.

Technique & Style

Created in 1679, this album of twelve leaves by Gong Xian is executed in ink on paper. The work belongs to the landscape genre and consists of individual leaves measuring 15.9 cm in height and 19.1 cm in width. As an album format, the piece presents a series of distinct compositions rather than a single continuous narrative, allowing for varied exploration of natural forms within a compact support.

The use of monochrome ink on paper highlights the artist's handling of tonal variation and brushwork characteristic of the period's landscape traditions.

History & Provenance

Created in 1679 by the Chinese artist Gong Xian, this work comprises an album of twelve leaves executed in ink on paper. The piece, titled Landscapes and trees, was produced in China during the Qing dynasty. Each leaf measures approximately 15.9 by 19.1 centimeters.

The album is currently held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it is classified as a landscape painting. No specific details regarding earlier ownership chains, commissions, or the circumstances of its creation beyond the date and medium are provided in the available records.

The album Landscapes and Trees by Gong Xian is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Created in 1679, this work consists of twelve leaves executed in ink on paper. The individual leaves measure approximately 15.9 cm in height and 19.1 cm in width.

While the museum's acquisition confirms its status as a significant holding of Chinese landscape painting, the provided records do not list specific accession numbers or detail past exhibition histories for this particular album.

Legacy

The album of twelve leaves by Gong Xian, dated 1679, is part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection, where it is studied as a representative example of Qing dynasty landscape painting. Its inclusion in a major museum has facilitated scholarly analysis of the artist's technique and compositional approach, reinforcing his reputation as a key figure in the evolution of Chinese landscape art. The work's presence in a prominent institutional setting has contributed to ongoing appreciation of Gong Xian's legacy and the broader significance of his landscape oeuvre.

Overview

Gong Xian, a prominent painter active during the late Ming and early Qing Dynasties, created the album Landscapes and Trees around 1679. This collection comprises twelve individual leaves, each rendered in ink on paper. The work exemplifies the artist's distinctive approach to landscape painting, a genre central to Chinese art during this era.

Context

Born in Kunshan, Jiangsu, Gong Xian was a leading figure in the Nanjing school of painting and recognized as one of the Eight Masters of Jinling. His artistic career spanned a period of significant dynastic transition in China. Known also by his courtesy names Banqian and Yeyi, Gong Xian's work is considered representative of the artistic developments during the early Qing period.

清   戴熙   山水圖  冊|Landscapes
清 戴熙 山水圖 冊|Landscapes, Dai Xi

Artist & collection

Portrait of Gong Xian

Artist

Gong Xian

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…

Frequently asked questions

Who painted 清 龔賢 山水圖 冊|Landscapes and trees?

清 龔賢 山水圖 冊|Landscapes and trees was painted by Gong Xian in ca. 1679.

Where can I see 清 龔賢 山水圖 冊|Landscapes and trees?

清 龔賢 山水圖 冊|Landscapes and trees is held by Metropolitan Museum of Art.

What movement is 清 龔賢 山水圖 冊|Landscapes and trees?

清 龔賢 山水圖 冊|Landscapes and trees is associated with Baroque.