Artwork

Walking on a Mountain Path in Spring

Walking on a Mountain Path in Spring, by Ma Yuan, unspecified, 1196
Walking on a Mountain Path in Spring, by Ma Yuan, unspecified, 1196

Walking on a Mountain Path in Spring is an unspecified painting by the Song dynasty landscape artist Ma Yuan. It dates from 1196 and is held in the collection of the National Palace Museum.

About this work

Overview

Walking on a Mountain Path in Spring is a silk painting by Ma Yuan (c. 1160-1225), a Chinese artist of the Southern Song dynasty. The work is executed on an album leaf, accompanied by a poem attributed to Emperor Ningzong of Song.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a solitary figure in traditional attire walking along a mountain path in spring, enveloped by lush vegetation and blooming flowers, with distant mountains and flying birds in the background. The serene scene conveys a sense of harmony with nature.

Technique & Style

Characterized by Ma Yuan's distinctive One-Corner style, the painting's composition is predominantly concentrated in one corner. It features a blend of bold and delicate brushstrokes on silk, with a nuanced color palette ranging from deep greens to soft pinks, creating depth and texture.

History & Provenance

The painting includes a poem inscribed in the upper right corner, attributed to Emperor Ningzong of Song, which complements the serene natural theme: 'Wildflowers dance freely when touched by my sleeve. A secluded bird, avoiding people, cannot sing.'

Context

Created during the Southern Song dynasty, this work reflects the era's emphasis on capturing the tranquility of natural landscapes and the introspective relationship between humans and the environment.

Legacy

As a representative of Ma Yuan's One-Corner style, Walking on a Mountain Path in Spring contributes to the understanding and appreciation of Southern Song dynasty's artistic innovations and its enduring influence on Chinese landscape painting.

Album Leaf Painting: Scholar and Bamboo
Album Leaf Painting: Scholar and Bamboo, Unknown

Artist & collection

Portrait of Ma Yuan

Artist

Ma Yuan

Ma Yuan (Chinese: 馬遠; pinyin: Mǎ Yuǎn; Wade–Giles: Ma Yüan; c. 1160–65 – 1225) was a Chinese painter of the Song dynasty. His works, together with that of Xia Gui, formed the basis of the so-called Ma-Xia (馬夏) school of…

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Palace Museum open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted Walking on a Mountain Path in Spring?

Walking on a Mountain Path in Spring was painted by Ma Yuan in 1196.

Where can I see Walking on a Mountain Path in Spring?

Walking on a Mountain Path in Spring is held by National Palace Museum.

What movement is Walking on a Mountain Path in Spring?

Walking on a Mountain Path in Spring is associated with Song dynasty landscape.

Can I buy a print of Walking on a Mountain Path in Spring?

Museum-quality prints of Walking on a Mountain Path in Spring are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.