An artwork on Galleree from Minneapolis Institute of Art.
About the artwork
Thatched Huts Among Ridges in Winter1649
Artist: Lan Ying
1585 - c. 1664
2 buildings at bottom with three figures; frost on trees throughout; rocky mountain peak at top
72-1/16 x 26-13/16 in. (183.0 x 68.1 cm)
Ink and colors on silk
Hanging scroll
China
17th century
Gift of Joan Wurtele
In the heart of winter, the landscape unfolds its vastness—each element standing strong against the chill of the season. The forms here, bold and unwavering, rise like silent sentinels from the snow-covered ground. Their silhouettes paint a striking image, a dance between the stark light and the shadows that embrace them.
As we meander through this tranquil scene, we might come across an inscription from Lan Ying, a skilled artist of his time. His brushstrokes echo the ancient wisdom of Wang Wei, a poet and painter from the Tang dynasty whose spirit lingers in the air like the whisper of a forgotten verse. Wang, known for his deep connection to nature, found solace away from the bustling world—a life devoted to the beauty of the solitary existence.
In Lan Ying’s work, this essence of eremitism is masterfully captured. Picture a lone cottage perched on a mountain, harmonizing with a grove of trees that cradle it gently. Here, among the stillness, we encounter not just the visual depth of the artwork but a poignant understanding of solitude. The atmosphere envelops us, conveying a profound message: solitude isn’t merely an absence of company but rather a peaceful embrace of self-discovery within an almost mystical realm.
As we stand before this serene landscape, the air feels thick with unspoken stories—of quiet reflection and the beauty found in solitude. Each stroke of Lan Ying's brush invites us to pause, breathe, and ponder the life of the hermit, revealing that in this stillness, there exists a world of profound connection with nature. It asks us to find comfort in our own moments of quiet, encouraging us to seek our own kind of peace amidst the chaos of everyday life.
About the artist
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