An artwork on Galleree from Cleveland Museum of Art.
About the artwork
Snowscape with Figures1584
Kim Si
This hanging scroll is a rare surviving example of early Joseon period painting. The painter Kim Si (1481–1537) was a member of the high ranking or aristocratic men. However, after his father, Kim Anro (1481–1537) fell out of power, Kim Si retreated himself and spent his life as a reclusive artist. <br><br>In such a context, this image of a solitary scholar in his studio surrounded by trees and snow-covered mountains does not simply render an idealized life of a recluse focusing on scholarly pursuits; rather, it is the painter’s mindscape, indicating that the glory of his family has become a forgotten part of his past.
Having retreated to the snow-covered mountains, a scholar sits in his studio surrounded by trees. An empty wooden bridge in the distance appears to be longing for friends from afar. Such an iconocgraphy often evokes the idea of an idealized of a recluse focusing on scholarly pursuits.
hanging scroll; ink on silk
Painting only: 53 x 67.3 cm (20 7/8 x 26 1/2 in.); Overall: 148.6 x 90.2 cm (58 1/2 x 35 1/2 in.)
Mr. and Mrs. William H. Marlatt Fund
In the stillness of a snow-draped landscape, a solitary figure breathes life into the canvas of time. This hanging scroll, a rare artifact from the early Joseon period, whispers secrets of a bygone era, of a painter named Kim Si, whose journey was as intricate as the brushstrokes on his scroll.
Born into a world of privilege in 1481, Kim Si was more than just an artist; he was a descendant of noble lineage. Yet, life took an unexpected turn when his father, Kim Anro, once powerful and revered, fell from grace. The vibrant colors of Kim Si's world began to fade, the grandeur of his aristocratic upbringing overshadowed by the quiet weight of lost glory.
Retreating into the shadows of his past, he chose seclusion over society, transforming his studio into a sanctuary from the cacophony of ambition and power. Within this sanctuary, he painted a scene that resonates beyond mere depiction: a scholar surrounded by the graceful embrace of trees and the looming presence of snow-covered mountains. This was not just any reclusive life he painted; it was a reflection of his innermost thoughts, a delicate tapestry of longing and introspection.
As we gaze upon this image, we are drawn into the serene solitude of the scholar's practice. The tranquility of the mountains and the gentle rustle of the branches frame a world far removed from influence and affluence—a world rich in contemplation. Kim Si's brush captures not only an idealized life but also the bittersweet echo of his family's past, a reminder that sometimes, even amidst the profound beauty of nature, one can feel the deep grooves of solitude.
Thus, the scroll stands as a poignant testament to Kim Si’s inner journey—a poignant reminder that the outer landscapes of our lives can often reflect the complexities of our own minds. In a moment frozen in time, the painter invites us to ponder the beauty of isolation and the silent stories that live within the heart of each artist.
About the artist
Creating transformative experiences through art “for the benefit of all the people forever.”The Cleveland Museum of Art is renowned for the quality and breadth of its collection, which includes more than 66,500 artworks and spans 6,000 years of achievement in the arts. The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from the museum's Open Access data under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.Address: 11150 East Boulevard, Cleveland, OH, USA 44106
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