An artwork on Galleree from Minneapolis Institute of Art.
About the artwork
Winter at Villa on the River12th-14th century
low rolling mountains at top; figures with boats and on peninsulas of land at center; buildings at bottom with figures on porches and in interiors; two men wearing furs on a boat at bottom center; muted colors; bare trees around buildings
47 7/8 × 20 1/16 in. (121.6 × 50.96 cm) (image)
85 5/8 × 28 1/8 in. (217.49 × 71.44 cm) (without roller)
Ink and color on silk
Hanging scroll
China
12th-14th century
The William Hood Dunwoody Fund
In the hush of winter, where the world is blanketed in a gentle embrace of white, a unique form of artistry takes shape. One can almost hear the soft crunch of snow beneath one's feet, as the scene unfolds—a winter landscape that stands as a testament to resilience and solitude.
This painting invites us into its serene expanse, a moment frozen in time. It is part of a rich tradition found deeply woven into the fabric of Chinese art—one that celebrates not just the beauty of nature, but the deeper meanings embedded within it. Here, winter becomes more than a season; it evolves into a metaphor for fortitude and strength.
The artists, with a gentle mastery of their craft, beckon viewers to look closer. They employed a technique known as daoyuan, a dance of textures and colors. Picture the canvas: a blank white silk, the pristine snow resting there, untouched. Surrounding this purity, an ink wash—the darker shades serving as shadows of a world that contrasts sharply with the tranquility of snow. It speaks volumes, whispering of solitude while offering a canvas for quiet reflection.
As you gaze upon this piece, you cannot help but feel a sense of calm wash over you, much like the stillness of a winter's day. The artists understood the power of this season, capturing its essence and inviting us into a quiet world where peace reigns supreme, revealing that sometimes, in the embrace of solitude, great strength can be found.
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.
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