Scholar Watching the Waterfall
1764
unspecified
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
About the artist
1764
unspecified
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
Scholar Watching the Waterfall is a 1764 unspecified by Luo Ping, a Qing Painting work, held at Cleveland Museum of Art.
A scholar stands on a rocky ledge, watching a waterfall crash below. His attendant holds an umbrella, while wind stirs the trees and the man’s long robes. This painting feels alive because of the tiny details—the fluttering leaves, the mist from the waterfall. Luo Ping painted it during the Qing dynasty, when artists often showed scholars in nature to reflect their thoughts. The scene isn’t just a landscape; it’s about quiet moments of reflection. If you like this, look up *sfumato*—the way Luo Ping softens edges to make the scene feel dreamy.
In this hanging scroll, a scholar and his attendant contemplate a waterfall. A light breeze lifts the scholar’s robe and blows the tree leaves, suggesting movement. Luo Ping from Anhui province was orphaned after his family had moved to Yangzhou, but his talent was recognized by the salt merchant brothers Ma Yueguan (1688–1755) and Ma Yuelu (1697–after 1766), who introduced him to literati circles. His patrons' portraits are in CMA 1979.72 . Inspired by painter Jin Nong in his early career, Luo became known for his creative figure paintings, including ghosts. Scholar Watching a Waterfall was…
Luo Ping was the youngest of the Yangzhou Eccentrics.
Read the full account in the museum source.
Your cart is empty
Explore artworks →
