Who painted Old Trees by a Cool Spring?

Old Trees by a Cool Spring was painted by Li Shixing in 1326-01-01.

Where can I see Old Trees by a Cool Spring?

Old Trees by a Cool Spring is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Old Trees by a Cool Spring?

Old Trees by a Cool Spring is associated with Song dynasty landscape.

Can I buy a print of Old Trees by a Cool Spring?

Museum-quality prints of Old Trees by a Cool Spring are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Old Trees by a Cool Spring

Li Shixing , 1326

Old Trees by a Cool Spring is an unspecified painting by the Song dynasty landscape artist Li Shixing. It dates from 1326 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

The artist's use of bold brushstrokes and muted colors creates a sense of depth and texture, drawing the viewer's eye into the scene.

This painting depicts a serene landscape with a large, gnarled tree standing tall in the center. The tree's branches stretch upwards, while its roots twist and turn, creating a sense of movement and energy. In the background, a cool spring flows gently, surrounded by rocks and other trees.

The artist's use of bold brushstrokes and muted colors creates a sense of depth and texture, drawing the viewer's eye into the scene. The overall effect is one of tranquility and contemplation, inviting the viewer to step into the peaceful world of the painting.

To learn more about the artist's use of chiaroscuro, explore the works of Li Shixing (Chinese, 1283–1328).

Overview

Old Trees by a Cool Spring, painted in 1326 by the Chinese artist Li Shixing, is part of the collection at the Cleveland Museum of Art. The work presents a quiet natural scene dominated by a massive, twisted tree whose branches reach upward while its roots coil beneath the earth, set against a gently flowing spring and surrounding rocks.

Subject & Meaning

The composition centers on the ancient tree, a symbol of endurance and the passage of time, juxtaposed with the cool spring that suggests renewal. Together they create a balanced tableau that encourages contemplation of nature’s cycles, inviting viewers to consider the harmony between steadfastness and the ever‑moving water.

Technique & Style

Li Shixing employs restrained brushwork and a palette of muted earth tones, allowing subtle variations in tone to convey depth. The bold, decisive strokes outline the tree’s bark and roots, while softer washes render the spring and background, producing a layered texture that guides the eye through the scene without overt dramatization.

History & Provenance

Created during the early Yuan dynasty, the painting has been preserved for seven centuries before entering the Cleveland Museum of Art’s holdings. Its documented provenance traces back to private collections in China, reflecting the work’s enduring appreciation among connoisseurs of classical Chinese landscape painting.