Mountain Retreat, leaf from Album for Zhou Lianggong 1654 - 1655

"Mountain Retreat," a leaf from the "Album for Zhou Lianggong" by the Ming dynasty artist Shi Lin, depicts a serene mountain landscape with a small bridge, a simple structure, and a waterfall. The minimalist ink wash technique highlights the tranquility of the scene, echoing the Daoist ideals of harmony with nature. This work, dated 1654–55, is characteristic of Shi Lin’s landscape paintings, known for their intricate detail and poetic quality. The album itself was a gift from the artist to Zhou Lianggong, a prominent official and patron of the arts, showcasing the appreciation for artistic talent during the late Ming dynasty.