Artwork

清 王翬 玉峰看月圖 軸|Landscape: Eve of Mid-autumn

清 王翬 玉峰看月圖 軸|Landscape: Eve of Mid-autumn, by Wang Hui, ink, 1686
清 王翬 玉峰看月圖 軸|Landscape: Eve of Mid-autumn, by Wang Hui, ink, 1686

清 王翬 玉峰看月圖 軸|Landscape: Eve of Mid-autumn is an ink painting by the Baroque artist Wang Hui. It dates from 1686 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Subject & Meaning

The iconography centers on this natural element, representing a scenic view rather than a narrative scene with human figures or specific symbolic artifacts.

The work depicts a mountainous landscape under the moonlight on the eve of the Mid-autumn Festival, as suggested by its title Jade Peak Viewing the Moon (玉峰看月圖). As a landscape painting, its primary subject is the natural formation of a mountain in a seasonal and lunar context. The iconography centers on this natural element, representing a scenic view rather than a narrative scene with human figures or specific symbolic artifacts.

The painting serves as a representation of mountainous terrain, aligning with the landscape genre conventions of the late seventeenth century.

Technique & Style

The artwork is a hanging scroll executed in ink on paper, dated to 1686. As a landscape painting, it portrays a mountainous scene, consistent with the genre classification. The ink medium on paper support reflects traditional Chinese painting techniques of the late seventeenth century, emphasizing monochrome tonal variation and brushwork to render the topography.

The medium and format situate the piece within the established practice of scroll landscape production during the Qing period.

History & Provenance

The hanging scroll known as 玉峰看月圖, titled Landscape: Eve of Mid-autumn, was created in 1686 by the Qing painter Wang Hui. Executed in ink on paper, the work depicts a mountain landscape and was produced in China. It entered the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art as a gift of Wen C. Fong in 1978 (accession no. 1978.53.1), where it remains on display. No documentation of specific early ownership prior to museum acquisition has been identified.

Overview

Wang Hui's Landscape: Eve of Mid-autumn (1686) is an ink painting presented on a hanging scroll. This work captures a serene mountain scene, rendered with a monochromatic palette, evoking the tranquil atmosphere of a moonlit night. It invites contemplation through its depiction of natural grandeur and human observation within a traditional Chinese landscape format.

清  王原祁  為瞻亭畫七發妙劑圖  軸|Landscape for Zhanting
清 王原祁 為瞻亭畫七發妙劑圖 軸|Landscape for Zhanting, Wang Yuanqi

Artist & collection

Portrait of Wang Hui

Artist

Wang Hui

Chinese, 1632–1717

Frequently asked questions

Who painted 清 王翬 玉峰看月圖 軸|Landscape: Eve of Mid-autumn?

清 王翬 玉峰看月圖 軸|Landscape: Eve of Mid-autumn was painted by Wang Hui in dated 1686.

Where can I see 清 王翬 玉峰看月圖 軸|Landscape: Eve of Mid-autumn?

清 王翬 玉峰看月圖 軸|Landscape: Eve of Mid-autumn is held by Metropolitan Museum of Art.

What movement is 清 王翬 玉峰看月圖 軸|Landscape: Eve of Mid-autumn?

清 王翬 玉峰看月圖 軸|Landscape: Eve of Mid-autumn is associated with Baroque.