Prunus among the Rocks 1707

"Prunus among the Rocks" is a Chinese ink painting on paper by the renowned artist Shitao, created in 1707, the year of his death. Shitao, born in 1642, was a prominent figure in the development of literati painting, a style that emphasized personal expression and individual artistic vision. This painting features a single, gnarled prunus tree with delicate blossoms, set against a backdrop of rugged rocks and calligraphic inscriptions. The expressive brushstrokes and minimalist aesthetic of Shitao's work are characteristic of literati painting, reflecting a deep connection to nature and a profound understanding of Chinese artistic tradition.