last hike 1707

Shitao’s *last hike* (1707) is a masterful example of Chinese landscape painting, a genre known for its evocative depictions of nature and spiritual themes. The painting, created in the year of the artist’s death, features two figures on a mountain path, their small scale emphasizing the vastness of the surrounding landscape. The use of ink washes and brushstrokes creates a sense of atmospheric depth, with layers of mist and clouds enveloping the distant mountains. The spare composition and delicate lines suggest a serene tranquility, reflecting the artist’s profound connection to nature and the Taoist philosophy.