Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami

Images(4)

A Picture of a Boat in Mist and Rain

Artist/Maker Shen Jian (China, active mid-17th to early 18th century)

DateAutumn 1702

Mediumink and colors on silk

DimensionsSight: 39 x 18 3/4 in. (99.1 x 47.6 cm)
Overall: 95 5/8 x 21 3/8 in. (242.9 x 54.3 cm)

ClassificationsVisual Works

Credit LineGift of Stephen Junkunc III

Terms

Object number61.059.000

On View

Not on view

Collections

Art of Asia

DescriptionWhile there is no biographical information currently available on this artist, it would appear that he was influenced by earlier artists, such as Qiu Ying (1494/1495-1552), a major painter of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). The colophon in the upper left corner identifies the title of the work. It also indicates that the painting was executed by Shen Jian, a native of Tingjian, at his studio called the The Study for Fragrant Speech. Originally commissioned by Xuan Liushi, there are a number of owners and collectors seals on the painting. In keeping with Chinese techniques the painting is divided into three horizontal planes. In the foreground, there is a boat with a scholar and his servant moored beneath a willow tree. The river, islands, and a promontory dominate the mid-ground. There are a series of mountains draped in mist in the background. The entire composition is intended to portray the grandeur of nature against the relative insignificance of man.