Who painted Landscape with Flying Geese?

Landscape with Flying Geese was painted by Ma Lin in 1250-01-01.

Where can I see Landscape with Flying Geese?

Landscape with Flying Geese is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Landscape with Flying Geese?

Landscape with Flying Geese is associated with Song dynasty landscape.

Can I buy a print of Landscape with Flying Geese?

Museum-quality prints of Landscape with Flying Geese are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Landscape with Flying Geese

Ma Lin , 1250

Landscape with Flying Geese is an unspecified painting by the Song dynasty landscape artist Ma Lin. It dates from 1250 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

History & Provenance

Created by the Chinese artist Ma Lin in 1250, this landscape painting remains part of the museum's permanent holdings.

Landscape with Flying Geese is a 13th‑century Chinese painting attributed to Ma Lin. The work was executed in China around 1250, as recorded in contemporary catalogues and confirmed by the museum’s metadata, which lists an inception date of 1250‑01‑01. Ma Lin, active circa 1185–c.1260, is identified as the creator in both sources.

The painting has been part of the Cleveland Museum of Art collection. No earlier ownership records are documented in the available sources.

Landscape with Flying Geese is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, located in Cleveland. The work is cataloged under the accession number 1952.285. Created by the Chinese artist Ma Lin in 1250, this landscape painting remains part of the museum's permanent holdings.

Overview

Ma Lin, a court painter during China's Southern Song dynasty, created "Landscape with Flying Geese" around 1250. This painting exemplifies the song landscape tradition, known for its poetic and atmospheric portrayal of natural settings. The composition features a vast, tranquil expanse with distant mountains and a flock of geese in flight, conveying a sense of serenity and the immensity of nature. It is currently housed in The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a serene, expansive landscape rendered in soft brown and gray hues. A distant mountain range recedes into the horizon, while two small figures traverse a path alongside a river in the foreground. Above them, a flock of geese soars, a motif frequently used in Chinese art to evoke themes of seasonal change, migration, or the passage of time. The vast open space contributes to the work's contemplative atmosphere.

Technique & Style

Ma Lin's approach aligns with the song landscape tradition, which prioritized atmospheric depth and a poetic sensibility over precise topographical detail. The artist employed a restrained palette of soft browns and grays, creating a sense of quietude and vastness. Characteristic of ancient Chinese painting, the work includes red seals and written inscriptions, serving as a form of artistic signature and authentication.