Recluse Dwellings in the Autumn Mountains Possibly 1368 - 1644

"Recluse Dwellings in the Autumn Mountains" is a Chinese ink and color painting by Mi Wanzhong (1570–1628) currently housed at the Art Institute of Chicago. It depicts a serene landscape with winding mountains, a meandering stream, and a small cluster of houses nestled amongst the craggy peaks, suggesting a secluded setting. The painting's subtle brushstrokes and delicate washes of color create a sense of tranquility and isolation, typical of the "shanshui" (mountain-water) genre of Chinese landscape painting. This artwork is a testament to Mi Wanzhong's skill in capturing the essence of nature and evoking a sense of poetic solitude in the viewer.