Summer retreat in the eastern grove
This poem, written in the running-script style of Huang Tingjian (1045–1105), is one of two poems by Wen appended to this painting. Both texts reveal Wen Zhengming's early study of the Northern Song master's large-scale calligraphy. Wen Zhengming devoted his life to the revival and creative reinterpretation of the expressive traditions of Song and Yuan painting and calligraphy. Wen particularly admired the writing style of Huang Tingjian, a passion he acquired from his mentor Shen Zhou (1427–1509). Wen's bold calligraphy stands in marked contrast to the officially sanctioned standard-script style practiced by court bureaucrats and reflects his independent nature.
A final colophon by Wen explains the circumstances surrounding the poems' creation. Wen wrote the poems in 1512 for his friend Qian Tongai (1475–1549). The poems were subsequently acquired by Nanzhou, abbot of the Tianwang Temple. When Wen visited Nanzhou in 1515 he saw his poems and appended his colophon.
A final colophon by Wen explains the circumstances surrounding the poems' creation. Wen wrote the poems in 1512 for his friend Qian Tongai (1475–1549). The poems were subsequently acquired by Nanzhou, abbot of the Tianwang Temple. When Wen visited Nanzhou in 1515 he saw his poems and appended his colophon.
Artwork Details
- 明 文徵明 東林避暑圖 卷
- Title: Summer retreat in the eastern grove
- Artist: Wen Zhengming (Chinese, 1470–1559)
- Period: Ming dynasty (1368–1644)
- Date: calligraphy datable to 1512
- Culture: China
- Medium: Handscroll; ink on paper
- Dimensions: Image (painting): 12 1/2 × 42 1/2 in. (31.8 × 108 cm)
Image (colophon): 12 1/2 × 38 3/8 in. (31.8 × 97.5 cm)
Overall with mounting: 13 in. × 9 ft. 9 1/2 in. (33 × 298.5 cm) - Classification: Paintings
- Credit Line: Bequest of John M. Crawford Jr., 1988
- Object Number: 1989.363.60
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
Audio
7475. Three Poems, Part 1
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Wen Zhengming
dated 1543
Wen Zhengming
datable to 1506–10
Multiple artists/makers
Wen Zhengming
mid-16th century
Wen Zhengming
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