Artwork

The Sword Spring, Tiger Hill, from Twelve Views of Tiger Hill, Suzhou

The Sword Spring, Tiger Hill, from Twelve Views of Tiger Hill, Suzhou is an unspecified painting by the Renaissance artist Shen Zhou. It dates from 1490 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. This painting is part of a series, Twelve Views of Tiger Hill, Suzhou, depicting a historic site near Suzhou.

Accession no.: 1964.371.6
Credit line: Leonard C. Hanna Jr. Fund

About this work

This painting shows a serene landscape with trees and a mountain in the background. The artist used subtle colors to create a sense of depth. Shen Zhou's life as a retired scholar influenced his art, as he turned to painting in midlife and was able to focus on his craft.

You can learn more about this style by looking at the work of artist: Shen Zhou (Chinese, 1427–1509)

Overview

This painting is part of a series, Twelve Views of Tiger Hill, Suzhou, depicting a historic site near Suzhou. It showcases Shen Zhou's mature style, characteristic of the Wu School of painting.

Subject & Meaning

The work simulates a journey to Tiger Hill, from arrival by boat to ascent to Cloudy Cliff Monastery, presenting a serene landscape with trees and a mountain.

Technique & Style

Shen Zhou employed subtle colors amidst predominantly monochrome scenes to create depth, exemplifying his mature style and the Wu School's aesthetic.

Context

As a Suzhou native with the means to pursue a life of leisure, Shen Zhou rejected an official career, instead embracing the life of a retired scholar and turning to painting in midlife.