An artwork on Galleree from Minneapolis Institute of Art.
About the artwork
A Scholar Washing his Feet in a Mountain Stream16th-17th century
Artist: Chen Guan
Chinese, 1563 - 1639 or later
towering rock at L top; figure at R standing on a high plateau; rushing water at bottom; figure with bare legs and feet seated on a rock at bottom center; touches of red on tips of branches of tree above seated figure
72 5/16 x 16 1/2 in. (183.67 x 41.91 cm) (image)
105 3/4 x 24 1/2 in. (268.61 x 62.23 cm) (without roller)
Ink and color on silk
Hanging scroll
China
16th-17th century
Gift of Ruth and Bruce Dayton
In a world where the sky seems to touch the unblemished peaks, a breathtaking landscape unfolds. Unfathomably tall mountains, their silhouettes etched against the heavens, stretch toward the clouds, a silent testament to nature's grandeur. Below, nestled between the towering rock formations, a tranquil river whispers past, its gentle babble a soothing melody in the stillness.
On the riverbank, a solitary figure finds a moment of solace. A man, weary from his journey, sits upon a smooth rock, the cool water swirling around his feet. The river reflects the vibrant colors of the sky, shimmering like scattered jewels, while the man’s thoughts drift like the leaves carried away by the gentle current. This serene setting becomes a refuge—a sanctuary where worldly worries lose their grasp.
Perched high on a cliff, a small scholar stands shrouded in mist, his gaze fixed beyond the horizon. He embodies both the weight of wisdom and the lightness of spirit, looking out as the mountain peaks rise even further above him, an endless ascent toward enlightenment. The air around him crackles with inspiration, as if the very essence of the mountains whispers secrets of ancient truths.
In the sky's soft embrace, the painter has inscribed a poetic sentiment in the upper corner of his artwork. It speaks to the heart—a couplet from the revered poem series Yong Shi, crafted by the insightful Zuo Si centuries ago. The words resonate deeply, capturing the essence of a choice that defines human experience:
“…Wearing burlap clothes, I'll leave the royal gateways stepping proudly, and follow in the footsteps of hermit Xu You! I'll shake the dust from my robe on thousand-foot ridges, and wash my feet in streams that flow a thousand miles."
The figure of Xu You emerges from the pages of history—a scholar who, faced with an alluring offer of government status, chose instead the purity of nature. After turning down the position, he famously rinsed his ears in a mountain stream, symbolizing a profound cleansing of spirit. This act is more than mere ritual; it embodies the timeless conflict between the pursuit of social standing, deeply rooted in Confucian ideals, and the Daoist yearning for spiritual purity found in the quiet embrace of nature.
As the river flows and the mountains stand sentinel over this narrative of choice, one cannot help but feel the serene power of the landscape. Here, in this idyllic tableau, the stories of the past breathe life into the present, reminding each passerby that true fulfillment may lie not in the accolades of the world, but in the tranquility of the wild, unspoiled land.
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.