Red Friend 17th century

"Red Friend" is a 17th-century ink and color painting by Lan Ying (1585-1664), currently housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The piece depicts a towering, weathered rock formation with intricate details, showcasing the artist's skill in capturing the texture and weight of the subject. The work exemplifies the "shan shui" style, a genre of Chinese painting focused on landscapes, often featuring mountains and water. Lan Ying was known for his masterful use of ink washes and brushwork, creating a sense of depth and atmospheric perspective. This work is a testament to his ability to translate the natural world onto paper.