An artwork on Galleree from Cleveland Museum of Art.
About the artwork
Winter Landscape1500s
Yeoseol
This wintry vista is a vivid example of idealistic monumental painting: the strong contrasts of ink washes and contouring brush lines; the bold outlining of rock shapes and tree trunks; and the many short, twisting brushstrokes that build up the surfaces of the rocks. Much of the painting’s appeal can be attributed to the dynamic lines and contrasting tonal patterns that lead the viewer’s eye from the lower foreground toward the cold mountain peaks in the distance. In the corner is a seal that reads "Yeoseol," meaning "Snow-Like."
This wintry scenery was mainly painted in monochrome ink, but some details like the rider's horse saddle and the servant's carrier attest the use of light blue pigment.
hanging scroll; ink and slight color on silk
Image: 92.4 x 52.7 cm (36 3/8 x 20 3/4 in.); Overall: 195.6 x 74.9 cm (77 x 29 1/2 in.)
John L. Severance Fund
Amidst a serene winter landscape, a grand painting unfolds, capturing the essence of nature's chill and beauty. Imagine standing there, wrapped in a warm coat, the air crisp and refreshing, as your gaze sweeps across a vivid scene crafted by an artist's skillful hand. This is not just any painting; this is the epitome of idealistic monumental artistry.
The canvas comes alive with strong contrasts, a dance of ink washes juxtaposed against delicate contouring brush lines. Each stroke feels deliberate yet spontaneous, as if the artist whispered secrets into the paint. Bold outlines define the stoic rock formations and towering tree trunks, standing as sentinels against the backdrop of chilly peaks. These elements pull you in, inviting you to explore the depths and textures that lie within the artwork.
Short, twisting brushstrokes intertwine like the thin tendrils of frost on a windowpane, gradually building up the surfaces of the rocks. They beckon you to feel the chill emanating from the cold mountain tops, their majestic presence towering in the distance. It’s a journey for the eyes, leading you from the lower foreground toward a horizon where blue meets gray, and the serene stillness reigns.
In a modest corner of the piece, a seal quietly declares its identity: "Yeoseol," a gentle reminder of what the painting represents—"Snow-Like." This simple word captures the essence of the scene, echoing the tranquility of falling snowflakes and the gentle hush that blankets the world during winter.
As you stand before this captivating vista, you realize it is more than just a portrayal of a wintry day; it is an invitation to breathe deeply, to pause, and to absorb the peace that lies within the cold embrace of nature.
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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