An Incident on the Hunt late 17th-early 18th century
chengxiang
aged paper
toned paper
linocut
light earthy tone
tea stained
linocut print
earthy tone
china
neutral brown palette
mixed medium
watercolor
"An Incident on the Hunt" is a two-panel screen by the renowned Chinese artist Cheng Xiang, dating from the late 17th to early 18th century. This intricate work, housed at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, depicts a lively hunting scene, with figures and animals amidst a mountainous landscape rendered in delicate ink and light washes. Cheng Xiang, born in 1628 and active during the Qing dynasty, is known for his masterful depiction of landscapes and his use of traditional techniques. The screen's impressive size and the artist's meticulous attention to detail make it a captivating example of Chinese ink painting.
Comments
This monumental landscape, rendered in pure ink, shows a lively narrative. In the panel on the right, a high-ranking man on horseback, possibly the emperor, is shown receiving a message from a kneeling figure. Behind him, a cadre of elegant court women, also on horseback, look on. In the left panel, a group of scholars—separated by a rocky outcropping—engage in conversation. The painting may suggest that leaders, in order to effectively rule, must strike a balance between seeking the advice of scholars and engaging in various entertainments, like picnicking with women and hunting for sport (shown in the lower part of the painting).
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