Artwork
Xianding (Immortal's Peak)
Xianding (Immortal's Peak) is an unspecified painting by the Renaissance artist Song Xu. It dates from 1588 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
- Accession no.
- 1998.78.12
About this work
You see a quiet ink painting of a mountain peak. Trees cluster near misty cliffs. A lone figure sits on a rocky ledge.
This work comes from an album of local views. Song Xu traveled the area by boat, sketching real spots. The writing on it names places and dates.
Look next at Song Xu (Chinese, 1525–c. 1606) if you like this style.
Overview
Xianding (Immortal's Peak) is a painting from an album depicting scenic sites around Lake Tai. The work is characterized by a serene atmosphere and features a mountain peak rendered in ink.
Subject & Meaning
The painting shows a mountain peak with trees near misty cliffs and a solitary figure on a rocky outcropping. Inscriptions on the work identify specific locations and dates, suggesting a connection to actual places.
Technique & Style
The use of ink and the depiction of a misty, natural scene are hallmarks of the painting's style. The level of detail in the inscriptions suggests a documentary or commemorative intent.
History & Provenance
The album from which this painting comes was likely created after Song Xu traveled through the region by boat, sketching local scenery. The work may have been produced for clients as a commemorative or travel-related piece.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
