Mists on the mountain 1707

Shitao created this ink-on-paper landscape, "Mists on the Mountain," during the Qing Dynasty in China. This was a time of great social and political upheaval as the Ming Dynasty had just been overthrown by the Manchus, who established the Qing Dynasty. Looking at this painting, we see the natural world represented through a veil of mist, blurring the lines between the foreground and background. This style evokes a sense of detachment but also reflects the philosophy of Daoism, emphasizing harmony with nature. During this period, many artists, including Shitao, grappled with their roles in the new social order. Some chose to serve the Qing court, while others withdrew from public life, expressing their dissent through their art. To understand Shitao's position, we can turn to his writings, biographies, and the broader cultural context of the time. This allows us to appreciate the complexities of his artistic expression. Ultimately, art's meaning is shaped by social and institutional forces.