Chen Shizengxi Mountain Cloud and Rain Map Axis

[Chen Shizeng’s Cloud and Rain Map Axis on Xi Mountain]

The Cloud and Rain Map on Xi Mountain axis, in modern times, is painted by Chen Shizeng, in paper and ink, 141 centimeters vertically and 38.2 centimeters horizontally
Self title on the upper left of the painting: “Creek rain drenches the curtains in disorder, mountain clouds lower the walls. Hengke.” With the seal of “Shi Zeng”
In his article “The Value of Scholar Painting”, Chen Shizeng proposed that “Scholar painting emphasizes the spirit first, not the resemblance of form.” This figure is an excellent embodiment of this argument. The picture is of a valley, a secluded stream, a banqiao cottage, surrounded by clouds and smoke, and a forest of miscellaneous trees. The composition of the picture is full and the scenery is rich, which is different from the traditional stylized “Four Kings” landscape. The texturing and stippling techniques are not deliberately pursued, and the layout and brush use are casually relaxed, making it natural, but without losing the power of Chinese painting. Painters used pen and ink to shape the form of objects, rather than attaching pen and ink to the form. Compared to paintings that simply emphasized the form of pen and ink, Chen Shizeng’s attitude of respecting nature to a certain extent reflects the transformation of painters’ creative mentality during this period.