An artwork on Galleree from Minneapolis Institute of Art.
About the artwork
Listening to the Waterfallc. 1450
Artist: Unknown Zhe school artist
scholar and attendant in LL corner on a riverbank looking at a waterfall at L; rocky landscape; scattered trees with gnarled trunks
65 3/4 x 41 3/16 in. (167.01 x 104.62 cm) (image)
Ink and colors on silk
Hanging scroll
China
15th century
Gift of Ruth and Bruce Dayton
In a serene moment where nature and introspection intertwine, a scholar-recluse finds himself perched near the edge of a mighty cliff. His eyes softly closed, he listens intently to the symphony of a powerful waterfall that cascades above, its waters roiling and crashing into the depths below with a thunderous roar. It’s a scene of pure tranquility, where the wildness of nature calms the restless spirit.
With a gentle sigh, he has chosen to set aside his beloved qin, a finely crafted zither, and the book that held his thoughts captive. For now, he relinquishes the world of words and music to fully embrace the natural beauty around him. The intoxicating sound of the waterfall fills the air, a melody that surpasses any notes he could play. It speaks to his soul, inviting him into a meditative state of mind.
This moment, a beloved theme in the Zhe school of painting, is deeply inspired by the artistry of Ma Yuan, a celebrated painter from the Song dynasty. His influence rippled through the ages, reaching the vibrant Ming dynasty, when artists sought to revive the golden era of Chinese culture. The imagery of the qin-playing recluse blissfully immersed in nature serves as a reminder of that yearning, a tribute to the artistic renaissance that bloomed from the ashes of the Yuan dynasty—a time overshadowed by foreign control.
In the strokes of the brush, one can feel the artist’s intent: to convey peace amidst the chaos of the world. The recluse, wrapped in solitude, finds not only solace but also the echoes of a legacy that teaches us the importance of looking back, of honoring the past as we navigate the currents of our existence. This harmonious blend of nature and art captures the very essence of what it means to connect with oneself, reminding us that sometimes, to find clarity, we must listen to the waterfall within.
About the artist
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