The Qing-dynasty artist and antiquarian Wen Ding mastered the arts of painting, calligraphy, and seal carving, and also assembled a fine collection of bronzes, stones, and other early Chinese cultural artifacts. He was likely inspired by the painting style of Wen Zhengming (1470−1559), from whom he was possibly a descendant, and the seal-carving techniques of Wen Peng (1498−1573; Wen Zhengming’s oldest son). This and three other paintings in LACMA’s collection (see M.74.92.1, M.75.88.1, and M.75.88.2) may originally have belonged to an album that included more images. As topographical landscapes of the famous Mount Yandang in Zhejiang Province, the album leaves provide faithful records of specific sites, although Wen Ding took some liberties by idealizing certain features. The names of scenic places are indicated with tiny labels, and the artist’s sense of humor is evident in the depictions of some of these locations. The set of paintings could have functioned as personal memorabilia or as advertisements for a spectacularly beautiful destination.
This leaf features many vertical lines depicting sharp peaks, thin waterfalls, and spiked rocks. The lines echo one another and are full of variations. In the lower right corner is a stalactite cavern with needlelike pillars pointing downward. Several travelers stand inside, conversing or appreciating the scenery. To the left of the cavern is a sharp, thin rock called Small Scissors after its shape. In the left background, the Immortal Bridge connects two mountain masses. Jade Lady Peak is rendered as a slender woman standing on the mountain. To the right is Small Dragon Waterfall, followed by a scene of two visitors standing in a fantastical cavelike formation with a river called Dragon Nose Water. A double-clawed peak echoes the shape of Small Scissors. To its right is Monk’s Hug Rock. Finally, there are three slender, pointed peaks: Excellent Brush, Sky Pillar, and Solitary Beauty.
The inscription reads: “Wen Ding depicts the scenery.” The seal reads: “Wen shi.”
Wan Kong
2024