Picture scroll of Chen Hongshou

[Chen Hongshou’s Painting of the Grand Priest of Jin]

The Painting of the Grand Priest of Jin, painted by Chen Hongshou in the Ming Dynasty, printed in silk, colored, 24.2 cm vertically and 235 cm horizontally
This self-knowledge: “Chen Hongshou painted on the south peak.” Seal “Chen Hongshou”. The seal is “Gaoling Private Seal”
In this picture, 19 figures are clearly painted on the silk, of which 17 are facing the left side, either bowing or holding a salute, congratulating the red-robed man at the left end of the scroll on his promotion
The layout of this figure is exquisite. The gathering and distribution of the characters is ingenious, the density is unique, the guests and hosts are distinct, there are ups and downs, there are open and close. The color is uniform, clean and elegant. The main character of the rolling tail wears a red robe, which is particularly striking. The characters are exaggerated, carefully portrayed, with concise clothing patterns, thin and powerful lines, and with square folding pen, which is very personal style of the painter
In his early years, Chen Hongshou devoted himself to seeking fame and fame. Judging from the painting method and subject matter, this picture should be Chen’s early work. Although it is a secular scene, it is unique in Chen Hongshou’s works.