An artwork on Galleree from Minneapolis Institute of Art.
About the artwork
Landscape after Gao Kegong1679
Artist: Lü Huancheng
Chinese, 1630 - 1703 or later
mountainous landscape in green and tan; buildings nestled in trees; seated figure in LLQ; bridge right of center over calm water; inscription in URQ with two red seals
47 3/4 × 24 3/16 in. (121.29 × 61.44 cm) (image)
92 1/4 × 32 3/4 in. (234.32 × 83.19 cm) (without roller)
Ink and colors on paper
Hanging scroll
China
17th century
The Shared Fund
In the painting, tiny buildings and diminutive figures stand like whispers against the grandeur of majestic mountains. Each peak stretches skyward, their tips softly dissolving into a veil of distant mists. This skillful use of atmospheric perspective works like a magician's trick, making the mountains feel larger than life, imposing yet serene, as they command the canvas and our gaze.
Philosophers have long grappled with the complex idea of the Dao, or "way," the core tenet of Daoism. It is a concept that dances just beyond our grasp, elusive and rich, like a soft melody fading into the wind. The words fall short, and so, instead, these thinkers reach for metaphors, each an attempt to capture the essence of something profoundly deep. Among the most fitting comparisons is water—fluid, adaptable, and ever-present.
In this artwork, we see figures by the water's edge, their eyes painted with wonder, captivated by the gentle flow of the river. They are caught up in a quiet moment of reflection, observing how the water moves: swirling, bending, and meandering with grace. In this dance, there lies an understanding of the Dao; it teaches us to appreciate the simplicity of existence and the beauty of surrendering to the currents of life, just as the water flows effortlessly around stones in its path. Each ripple echoes the wisdom of stillness, inviting us to breathe in the calmness and contemplation woven throughout this creation.
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.