An artwork on Galleree from Minneapolis Institute of Art.
About the artwork
Scholar in Landscape1601
Artist: Liu Yuanqi
1555 - after 1632
131 5/8 × 39 in. (334.3 × 99.1 cm) (image)
169 3/4 × 48 in. (431.2 × 121.9 cm) (without roller)
Ink on paper
Hanging scroll
China
17th century
Gift of Ruth and Bruce Dayton
In the heart of the mountains, where the trees stretch their arms toward the sky and whispers of the wind mingle with the sound of rushing water, a thatched hut sits quietly. Its straw roof blends seamlessly with the natural surroundings, a humble abode that harbors a world of reflection and solitude. In front of this serene cabin, a waterfall tumbles gracefully, sending sparkling droplets into the air like nature’s own confetti, celebrating the tranquility of this retreat.
Inside the hut, the air hangs heavy with the scent of aged paper and ink. The only figure present is that of a servant, busy preparing the simple life that supports his master’s poetic musings. The room, adorned only with a wooden table and shelves crammed with books, tells stories of wisdom and reflection, yet it remains devoid of the hermit himself. He has ventured into the mountains, perhaps seeking herbs or simply basking in the embrace of nature—a traditional pastime cherished by those who embrace the spirit of eremitism.
Meanwhile, at the bottom of the painting, a lone scholar walks across a quaint bridge, his steps measured and purposeful. He heads toward the hermit's dwelling with anticipation, eager for the company of an old friend. Yet, as he approaches, the reality dawns on him—his companion is not home. The scene might seem a disappointment to some, but for this scholar, it resonates differently.
In the poetic tradition of the early Tang dynasty, the experience of finding an empty hut was not merely about the absence of the hermit. Instead, it becomes a celebration of the journey itself. The scholar takes a moment to breathe in the quietude, allowing the beauty of nature to wash over him, a temporary escape from the chaos of everyday life. Whether or not he finds his friend matters little; it is the harmony of the woods, the melody of the waterfall, and the clarity of his thoughts that truly matter.
This painting captures more than a moment; it encapsulates a philosophy—a reminder that life is not just about destinations, but rather the quiet, meaningful journeys we embark upon, stepping away from the noise of the world to find solace in the serenity around us.
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.