An artwork on Galleree from Minneapolis Institute of Art.
About the artwork
Riverside Scene with Scholar and Fishermanc. 1500
Artist: Liu Jun
active c. 1475 – c. 1505
fisherman riding on a boat and playing a flute at lower right corner; three people inside a building just below center at left edge; mountains in background
98 11/16 x 48 3/8 in. (250.67 x 122.87 cm) (image)
Ink and colors on paper
Hanging scroll
China
15th-16th century
Gift of Ruth and Bruce Dayton
In the tranquil embrace of Liu Jun’s artistry, a whisper of stories unfolds. The canvas presents a serene riverside scene, where the gentle sway of nature harmonizes with the complexity of life’s choices. On the left, a graceful pavilion nestles beneath the broad canopy of a venerable tree, its leaves rustling softly in the breeze. The water glistens like a mirror, dotted with lotus blossoms that float lazily, their petals unfurling in delicate hues.
At the heart of this painting sits a scholar, deeply contemplative, framed by his desk that anchors him to society's demands. His gaze stretches beyond the immediate, as if searching for something hidden in the shadowy embrace of the large, rocky mountains that loom in the distance. Here, staring into the horizon, he finds himself entwined in a web of thoughts - the weight of his responsibilities pulling firmly at his shoulders.
To the lower right, a fishing boat drifts gently upon the water, cradling the simplicity of life. Inside, a solitary fisherman revels in his freedom, harmonizing with nature as he plays a flute, its notes weaving through the air like whispers of the wind. One leg dangles carelessly over the edge, dipping into the cool embrace of the river, embodying a life unencumbered by obligations.
In this artwork, we are drawn into a silent dialogue between two starkly contrasting worlds. The carefree existence of the fisherman beckons with its allure of spontaneity and joy, where each moment is filled with nature’s melody and the thrill of the unknown. Meanwhile, the scholar remains shackled by the complexities of his position, reflecting on the daily grind of his official duties and the rare escapes to his peaceful country villa.
Caught between admiration and envy, the scholar wrestles with an internal conflict, pondering over the two paths laid before him. Should he remain within the rigid lines of his society, cloaked in responsibility, or should he take a leap into the unmarred wilderness, leaving behind the weight of his titles? The subtle tension of his dilemma hangs palpably in the air, inviting the viewer to step into his shoes and question the balance of duty versus desire.
In this meeting of different ways of life, Liu Jun captures more than mere scenery; he reveals a landscape of the soul, urging us to reflect on what it means to truly live.
About the artist
Inspiring wonder through the power of art. The Minneapolis Institute of Art enriches the community by collecting, preserving, and making accessible outstanding works of art from the world’s diverse cultures.
The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from the museum's Open Access data under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.
Address: 2400 Third Avenue South Minneapolis, Minnesota 55404
The best place to view Minneapolis Institute of Art‘s artwork is on Galleree. Hear the story behind this work, interact with the image, discuss with people, curate your own playlists, and discover so much more from great artists and institutions alike.