Scholar Watching the Waterfall China, Qing dynasty (1644-1911)

Scholar Watching the Waterfall

觀瀑圖

1764

Luo Ping 羅聘

(Chinese, 1733–1799)

China, Qing dynasty (1644-1911)

Hanging scroll; ink and light color on paper

Painting: 125.7 x 56.8 cm (49 1/2 x 22 3/8 in.); Overall: 230.5 x 72.1 cm (90 3/4 x 28 3/8 in.)

Mr. and Mrs. William H. Marlatt Fund 1975.95

Location: not on view

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Did You Know?

Luo Ping was the youngest of the Yangzhou Eccentrics.

Description

In this hanging scroll, a scholar and his attendant contemplate a waterfall. A light breeze lifts the scholar’s robe and blows the tree leaves, suggesting movement. Luo Ping from Anhui province was orphaned after his family had moved to Yangzhou, but his talent was recognized by the salt merchant brothers Ma Yueguan (1688–1755) and Ma Yuelu (1697–after 1766), who introduced him to literati circles. His patrons' portraits are in CMA 1979.72.

Inspired by painter Jin Nong in his early career, Luo became known for his creative figure paintings, including ghosts. Scholar Watching a Waterfall was painted in his Yangzhou studio in the year of Jin’s death.