In meditation, at the foot of the mountains impossible 1695

Shitao created 'In meditation, at the foot of the mountains impossible', during a tumultuous period of dynastic transition in China. As a member of the Ming Dynasty's royalty, Shitao's identity was deeply affected by the shift to Qing rule, influencing his turn to painting and Chan Buddhism. This work reflects a profound search for personal and spiritual solace amidst political upheaval. The lone figure, set against the backdrop of towering, misty mountains, invites contemplation on the relationship between the individual and the immensity of the world. Shitao's innovative brushwork departs from traditional styles, signaling a break from the past and a quest for new forms of expression. The inscription on the painting adds layers of meaning, hinting at themes of seclusion and enlightenment. In a world turned upside down, Shitao seems to be asking, where does one find peace? This painting then, is not just a landscape, it's an introspective journey.