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Artwork

Album of Landscape Paintings Illustrating Old Poems: Three Big Trees, a Stream with an Old Man Sitting on the Bank

Hua Yan , 1745

Album of Landscape Paintings Illustrating Old Poems: Three Big Trees, a Stream with an Old Man Sitting on the Bank, by Hua Yan, unspecified, 1745
Album of Landscape Paintings Illustrating Old Poems: Three Big Trees, a Stream with an Old Man Sitting on the Bank, by Hua Yan, unspecified, 1745

Album of Landscape Paintings Illustrating Old Poems: Three Big Trees, a Stream with an Old Man Sitting on the Bank is an unspecified painting by the Chinese Orthodox School artist Hua Yan. It dates from 1745 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Subject & Meaning

The trees symbolize endurance and scholarly virtue, while the flowing water suggests the passage of time and the contemplative path of the hermit‑sage.

The painting shows three large trees beside a gentle stream where an elderly scholar sits, a composition typical of Qing‑era Chinese landscape that emphasizes harmony between humanity and nature. The trees symbolize endurance and scholarly virtue, while the flowing water suggests the passage of time and the contemplative path of the hermit‑sage. The seated figure embodies the Daoist ideal of quiet reflection and alignment with the natural world.

Executed in 1745 by Hua Yan, the work is classified as a landscape painting and is housed in the Cleveland Museum of Art, reflecting the period’s integration of poetic themes with visual symbolism.

History & Provenance

Painted in 1745 by the Chinese artist Hua Yan (1682–c. 1765), this landscape painting belongs to the Album of Landscape Paintings Illustrating Old Poems. The work is now held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it is catalogued as object number 1982.68.2. No further details regarding its commission, earlier ownership, or acquisition history are provided in the available sources.

Overview

This painting, titled Album of Landscape Paintings Illustrating Old Poems: Three Big Trees, a Stream with an Old Man Sitting on the Bank, was created by Hua Yan in 1745. As part of a larger album, this work presents a tranquil landscape scene. It is currently housed in The Cleveland Museum of Art.

The composition features prominent trees, a flowing stream, and a solitary figure, characteristic of traditional Chinese landscape painting.

Context

This particular painting exemplifies Hua Yan's artistic approach, known for integrating natural scenery with poetic undertones. As part of an album illustrating old poems, the artwork likely served to visually interpret classical verses, a common practice in Chinese literati painting. Hua Yan was recognized for his landscapes and his ability to evoke a sense of calm and contemplation through his brushwork and subject matter.

Album of Landscape Paintings Illustrating Old Poems: Scholar watching Fish
Album of Landscape Paintings Illustrating Old Poems: Scholar watching Fish, Hua Yan

Artist & collection

Portrait of Hua Yan

Artist

Hua Yan

Hua Yan simplified Chinese: 华嵒; traditional Chinese: 華嵒; pinyin: Huà Yán; Wade–Giles: Hua Yen; courtesy name Qiu Yue (秋岳), sobriquets Xinluo Shanren (新罗山人), Dong Yuan Sheng (东园生), Buyi Sheng (布衣生), Ligou Jushi (离垢居士)and…

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This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.In the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art. Compiled & edited by , Editor & Founder.

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted Album of Landscape Paintings Illustrating Old Poems: Three Big Trees, a Stream with an Old Man Sitting on the Bank?

Album of Landscape Paintings Illustrating Old Poems: Three Big Trees, a Stream with an Old Man Sitting on the Bank was painted by Hua Yan in 1745-01-01.

Where can I see Album of Landscape Paintings Illustrating Old Poems: Three Big Trees, a Stream with an Old Man Sitting on the Bank?

Album of Landscape Paintings Illustrating Old Poems: Three Big Trees, a Stream with an Old Man Sitting on the Bank is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Album of Landscape Paintings Illustrating Old Poems: Three Big Trees, a Stream with an Old Man Sitting on the Bank?

Album of Landscape Paintings Illustrating Old Poems: Three Big Trees, a Stream with an Old Man Sitting on the Bank is associated with Chinese Orthodox School.

Can I buy a print of Album of Landscape Paintings Illustrating Old Poems: Three Big Trees, a Stream with an Old Man Sitting on the Bank?

Museum-quality prints of Album of Landscape Paintings Illustrating Old Poems: Three Big Trees, a Stream with an Old Man Sitting on the Bank are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.