Landscape and Figure, from an album of Landscapes and Calligraphy for Liu Songfu 山水册页 Possibly 1644 - 1911

This Chinese album leaf, "Landscape and Figure," was painted by Xugu, a prominent 19th century artist, and was created sometime between 1644 and 1911. Featuring a detailed and expressive depiction of a lone figure seated beneath a majestic pine tree, the piece embodies the quintessential "shan shui" (mountain-water) style, a genre in Chinese painting that emphasizes the beauty and tranquility of nature. The loose brushwork and subtle washes of color convey a sense of serenity and harmony, reflecting the artist's deep connection to the natural world. The composition is balanced by the contrasting colors, shapes, and textures of the pine tree and the surrounding landscape. This artwork is currently housed at the Art Institute of Chicago.