Vegetable Gardens 1707

"Vegetable Gardens" is a Chinese ink and wash painting created by Shitao in 1707. Shitao, born in 1642, was a prominent figure in the development of the "literati" style of painting, which emphasizes individual expression and a connection to nature. The work depicts a stylized arrangement of vegetable plants, executed with loose and expressive brushstrokes. The painting exemplifies the artist's mastery of ink and his appreciation for the subtle beauty of everyday subjects. The calligraphic inscriptions above the painting add a layer of intellectual and artistic depth to the work.