Boats to the door 1707

Shitao created "Boats to the Door," using ink and color on paper in the late 17th century. This was a period of great political change, as the Qing Dynasty replaced the Ming. Shitao was a master of traditional techniques, yet he broke with convention to create his own distinctive style. In this intimate landscape, you can see how ink washes create the illusion of space and atmosphere. The careful brushstrokes give a sense of spontaneity, but this belies the great skill and control needed to achieve this effect. The artwork hints at the activities of daily life in the Jiangnan region, with boats carrying goods and people. These boats suggest trade, and are a reminder of the labor and exchange that made this economy work. By emphasizing the materials and techniques of painting, Shitao reminds us that art is not just about representation, but also about the process of creation, and the social conditions in which art is made.