Yu Zhiding, Yun Shouping, Wang Maolin

[Yu Zhiding and Yun Shouping’s portrait of Wang Maolin]

The portrait of Wang Maolin, Qing Dynasty, Yu Zhiding and Yun Shouping’s painting, paper edition, color setting, 30.8 cm vertically and 185.6 cm horizontally
The portrait of Wang Maolin was painted by Yu Zhiding, and Yun Shouping painted the background. At the beginning of the scroll, the light clouds filled the air, and Wang sat on the ground, playing with the treasures of his inkstone, accompanied by books, showing the elegant and refined literati interest. The mountains are covered with green grass, green pines, bamboos scattered among the rocks, and the distant stream ripples with a clear sound. The painter depicts a quiet and pleasant seclusion place, setting off the earthly mood like the mountains and forests in the heart of the master, and the poems and articles of emotion
In the early years of the Qing Dynasty, the compilation of the History of the Ming Dynasty was a major event. All the people involved in it were learned people. Wang Maolin, who was listed in the Kangxi period, was the best. Wang devoted himself to poetry and history from his childhood. He first studied from Suru Wang Yan, and in the late years of Shunzhi, Wang Shizhen, who was then an official in Yangzhou, was the disciple of Li Xue poetry. In the eighth year of Kangxi’s reign (1669), he entered Beijing and was selected as the secretary of the cabinet. He had frequent exchanges with scholars and celebrities who gathered in the capital. His knowledge, poetry and prose were then profound and refined, and his reputation grew. In the 18th year of Kangxi’s reign (1679), Xu Yuanwen, the governor of Zuodou, was ordered to supervise the revision of the History of the Ming Dynasty, and seven people including Wang Maolin were specially recommended to participate in the compilation. During his time as the editor of the History Museum, Mao Lin wrote several biographies and added several volumes to the “Chongzhen Record”. He was praised by the public for his clear description and precise discussion. He did not have a long time to compile the History of the Ming Dynasty. It was a pity that he could only deal with the compilation of the History of the Ming Dynasty because he was transferred to the chief of the Ministry of Punishment. In the autumn of the 23rd year of Kangxi’s reign (1684), he was dismissed for his job and returned to his hometown, thus ending the compilation of the History of the Ming Dynasty
Maolin is very talented. Apart from historiography, poetry, essays, words and books are excellent. Poems come and go between Tang and Song dynasties, and take advantages of others; The ancient writings were written by Wang Anshi and reached Han Yu. They are well known for their vigorous and vigorous style. His poems are meaningful and elegant, and are called “two Wangs” together with Wang Ji in Tongli, enjoying a reputation for a time.