Artwork

Landscape Album in Various Styles: Landscape after Mi Fei

Landscape Album in Various Styles: Landscape after Mi Fei, by Zha Shibiao, unspecified, 1692
Landscape Album in Various Styles: Landscape after Mi Fei, by Zha Shibiao, unspecified, 1692

Landscape Album in Various Styles: Landscape after Mi Fei is an unspecified painting by the Qing dynasty painting artist Zha Shibiao. It dates from 1692 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Technique & Style

The artwork is currently held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it is cataloged under the accession number 1955.

Created in 1684, Landscape after Mi Fei is a Chinese landscape painting executed by Zha Shibiao. The work functions as one leaf within a larger album titled Landscape Album in Various Styles, though specific details regarding the physical support, such as whether it is rendered on silk or paper, and the precise medium, such as ink or color, are not detailed in the available records. Stylistically, the piece is classified as a landscape painting that depicts natural elements including trees and mountains.

The title indicates a deliberate engagement with the artistic legacy of Mi Fei, suggesting a formal approach that references or emulates Mi Fei's distinctive ink wash techniques or compositional strategies. The artwork is currently held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it is cataloged under the accession number 1955.37.8.

History & Provenance

The work titled Landscape Album in Various Styles: Landscape after Mi Fei was created in 1684 in China by the Chinese painter Zha Shibiao, who specialized in landscape subjects. It forms part of a series of paintings executed in a variety of styles, reflecting the influence of the Song‑dynasty master Mi Fei. The painting remained in China until it entered the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it is recorded under accession number 1955.37.8; the museum’s catalogue cites the work’s inception date as 1684‑01‑01 and notes its depiction of a tree and mountain.

No documentation of a specific commission has been identified, and the provenance is limited to its creation in 1684 and subsequent acquisition by the museum.

Overview

This painting, titled Landscape after Mi Fei, was created by Zha Shibiao in 1692. It forms part of a larger collection known as Landscape Album in Various Styles. The artwork presents a serene natural scene, characterized by mountainous terrain and vegetation, rendered with a distinctive aesthetic. It is currently housed in the collection of The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Subject & Meaning

The composition depicts a tranquil, misty landscape dominated by towering, rocky mountains, their slopes adorned with trees. In the foreground, a modest house with a pointed roof is nestled, hinting at human presence within the expansive natural setting. The overall impression conveyed is one of profound calmness and natural harmony, inviting contemplation.

Context

As indicated by its title, this piece is one component of Zha Shibiao's Landscape Album in Various Styles, suggesting an exploration of diverse artistic traditions. The phrase "after Mi Fei" signifies that the artist drew inspiration from or paid homage to the style of the Song dynasty painter Mi Fu (often referred to as Mi Fei), engaging in a dialogue with historical precedents.

Landscape Album in Various Styles: Landscape after Wu Zhen
Landscape Album in Various Styles: Landscape after Wu Zhen, Zha Shibiao

Artist & collection

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

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted Landscape Album in Various Styles: Landscape after Mi Fei?

Landscape Album in Various Styles: Landscape after Mi Fei was painted by Zha Shibiao in 1684-01-01.

Where can I see Landscape Album in Various Styles: Landscape after Mi Fei?

Landscape Album in Various Styles: Landscape after Mi Fei is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Landscape Album in Various Styles: Landscape after Mi Fei?

Landscape Album in Various Styles: Landscape after Mi Fei is associated with Qing dynasty painting.

Can I buy a print of Landscape Album in Various Styles: Landscape after Mi Fei?

Museum-quality prints of Landscape Album in Various Styles: Landscape after Mi Fei are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.