Red Cliffs and Green Valleys 1357 - 1377

"Red Cliffs and Green Valleys" is a hanging scroll painting by the Yuan dynasty artist Wang Meng, renowned for his landscapes. The painting, created between 1357 and 1377, depicts a serene vista with towering cliffs, verdant valleys, and a pair of figures amidst a grove of trees. Wang Meng's distinctive style is evident in the dense, textured brushwork, which conveys the lushness of the natural environment and the misty atmosphere. This work, now housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, exemplifies the artist's mastery of the literati style of painting, characterized by its emphasis on intellectual and emotional expression. The painting's tranquility and harmony evoke a sense of peace and contemplation, resonating with viewers who appreciate the beauty and serenity of nature.